Here is everything you need to know about James, including his age and friendship with Tyler Cameron, and reactions to his casting from Chris Harrison, Rachel Lindsay and more.
How old is Matt James?
James just turned 29, although he was 28 while filming.
Where is Matt James from?
The Bachelor star hails from Raleigh, N.C., where he attended Wake Forest University majoring in economics and playing wide receiver for the school’s football team.
Did Matt James play in the NFL?
James tried to make it in the NFL, but according to Wake Forest Magazine, he did not make the “cut with the Carolina Panthers and was cut, called back and cut again by the New Orleans Saints.”
How tall is Matt James?
If you want to get really detailed, we can do that. According to the Wake Forest website, he was 6'5 as of 2014.
Where does Matt James live?
James currently resides in New York City.
What does Matt James do?
James is a real estate broker at CBRE and the founder of ABC Food Tours. He created the food touring company, which takes students on food and fitness tours, to find creative ways to engage kids from underserved communities in New York City, while encouraging physical and mental wellness.
Was Matt James a contestant on The Bachelorette?
No, but he was supposed to be! James was originally cast as one of the men vying for Clare Crawley’s heart on Season 16 of The Bachelorette, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. “Matt has been on our radar since February, when producers first approached him to join Bachelor Nation, as part of Clare’s season. When filming couldn’t move forward as planned, we were given the benefit of time to get to know Matt and all agreed he would make a perfect Bachelor," ABC President Karey Burke said in a statement. After being announced as the new Bachelor, James told Good Morning America that he was looking forward to meeting Crawley. “My first reaction was, ‘Does this mean I don’t get to meet Clare?’ because I was looking forward to meeting her,” he shared. “I had set aside all this time and we’d gone out to California and then been called back with quarantine. I’m super excited for her and her season but I’m looking forward to meeting her eventually.”
What is Matt James’ connection to Tyler Cameron…and former Bachelorette Hannah Brown?
James and Cameron are best friends. The hunky duo has been quarantining together down in Florida amid the coronavirus pandemic. The newly named Bachelor was also a member of Cameron and Hannah Brown’s TikTok “Quarantine Crew.” “Let’s go,” Cameron captioned a behind-the-scenes video of James speaking to GMA after his big reveal…pants-less! He later revealed that the pair celebrated the casting by running stadium steps. “You are out of your mind. Congrats brother. Congrats,” Cameron told James. Brown was equally excited over her pal’s casting news. “Matt James is the Bachelor. I cannot contain my excitement for this amazing human making history as the first Black Bachelor— to God be the Glory!…This man is as good as it gets y’all, and that’s coming from a previous skeptic (lolz),” she wrote on Instagram. Brown went on to declare herself the “#1 Matt James fan.” “I am so blessed to now call you friend,” she gushed. “You’ve supported and encouraged me in some of the hardest moments lately and I’m so freaking pumped to support and encourage you as you get ready to go on an adventure of a lifetime!”
What is Matt James looking for in a woman?
When it comes to his future wife, the North Carolina native is looking for qualities that his “mom embodies,” i.e. “selfless, honest, caring, and compassionate.” “Those are qualities found in women all shapes, sizes and races and it’s not a black or white thing,” he said. “I’m hoping that when that limo pulls up there’s a lot of diversity and I see every type of woman coming out of that limo.”
Who was the first-ever black lead of the Bachelor franchise?
Rachel Lindsay was named the first black Bachelorette in 2017. The Season 13 star has been vocal about the program’s lack of diversity in the past. On her blog Honestly Rach, Lindsay wrote that the “whole franchise needs a diversity makeover," calling for a lead who is “truly interested” in dating outside of their race. Days before the first black Bachelor was revealed, Lindsay spoke to Entertainment Tonight about James saying, “The only reason people are into Matt James is because people are into Tyler. We don’t know anything about Matt James other than the fact that he’s affiliated with Tyler.” She added, “I’m also an advocate for just bringing somebody in who’s not affiliated with the franchise.”
How did Bachelor Nation react to Matt James’ casting?
Cameron and Brown aren’t the only Bachelor alums celebrating the franchise’s historic new lead. The most recent BachelorPeter Weber congratulated James on his Instagram story writing, “Congrats @mattjames919. Very happy for you and @bachelorabc! Enjoy the ride, just get it right the first time, it’s easier that way.” Meanwhile, host Chris Harrison tweeted, “Congrats Matt James! Our Bachelor family is thrilled to start this journey with our new Bachelor! We can and we will do better to portray diverse love stories that reflect the world around us. This is just the beginning.” Lindsay spoke to Good Morning America after James’ casting was announced, saying there’s still more to be done. “I want producers of color,” Rachel said on GMA. “I’d like for them to cast leads that are interested in dating outside of their race that aren’t just getting their first-time experience—for the first time—on national TV. I need the acknowledgment of that. Not putting a band-aid over the situation and just saying, ‘Here, we’re going to put this here. Are you happy now?’” See how the rest of Bachelor Nation is reacting to the news, including former BachelorsSean Lowe, Nick Viall and Arie Luyendyk Jr.: Matt James’ season of The Bachelor is scheduled to premiere in 2021. While Matt James won’t be receiving Clare Crawley’s final rose, find out who else is still vying for her heart.
