Right now, Colton Underwood is playing the field and looking for love on The Bachelor. However, he previously played on a much different field during his football career in the NFL. Fans have already seen a lot of references to Colton’s former career as a professional athlete, but Bachelor Nation is wondering what teams he actually played for — and we have the answer! Whether you’re in front of the TV every Sunday or think blitzes belong on your breakfast plate, keep scrolling to see the highs and lows of Colton’s football career.
Although Colton didn’t have a very long career in the actual NFL, he was an extremely good linebacker for his alma mater, Illinois State. According to Sports Illustrated, he accumulated 215 tackles in 45 games which is, like, really good. This is actually such a big deal that he holds third place in the entire history of the school’s program for most tackles for loss and is ranked in fourth place for sacks.
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He’s A Well-Decorated Athlete.
The linebacker played four seasons at Illinois University from 2010 to 2013 and was a two-time finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. This is an honor given annually to the most outstanding player in Division 1 football. Basically, it’s a big deal.
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Next Came The Chargers.
Although Colton wasn’t technically drafted after college, he was able to advance his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. He signed on with their practice squad in May of 2014. “Teams use practice squads to keep players who have potential but need development,” SB Nation explained. Colton was released from the squad that following August.
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A Short Stint In Philly.
Colton then went to play for the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad for two weeks in September 2014.
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Back To The Chargers.
After his stay on the east coast, the football stud spent the rest of the 2014 season with the Chargers.
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North To Oakland.
During the 2015 season, Colton moved to the Raiders’ practice squad in Northern California. He was cut for the last time from the team in August of 2016.
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And Now, Retirement.
“I put in my retirement papers two weeks ago,” Colton told a local Illinois paper at the time. “I had a serious shoulder issue and told myself I should get the surgery done. I couldn’t keep playing on it.”
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Life After Football.
His career on the football field ended, but Colton still has a lot more to give. He started the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation to help children who are living with cystic fibrosis.