It’s Matt-chlor season, Bachelor Nation.
Matt James, the first black “Bachelor” in franchise history, will begin his journey to find love on Monday, Jan. 4, following “Bachelorette” Tayshia Adams’ on-air engagement to to Zac Clark.
“Love, for me, is about the heart. And the way that I view life, everything is a blessing,” James, 29, said in a recent preview.
With 32 women vying for his affection, including a self-proclaimed “queen” named Victoria, here’s the lowdown on ABC’s newest leading man.
He played college football
James, a Raleigh, North Carolina, native, attended Wake Forest University from 2010 to 2014.
The 6-foot-5 athlete played as a wide receiver on the school’s football team, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. During his time on the team, he met Cameron, who played quarterback in 2012 and 2013.
According to a school magazine profile, James was called to play for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, but was eventually cut from both teams.
He’s a commercial real estate broker
James, a Wake Forest University alum, works for the commercial real estate firm CBRE in New York. He also founded the ABC Food Tours organization, which allows underprivileged NYC children to experience a variety of cuisines within the area.
“If you can positively influence these students at this age, you can potentially change the course of their lives. Also, I love seeing our students try new foods!” James said in a 2019 interview with DeacLink.
“We encourage them to try everything. The kids don’t have to like it but they’re able to speak as to why they do or don’t by the end of a tour,” he continued.
‘Bachelorette’ alum Tyler Cameron is his BFF
Before James began his journey as “The Bachelor,” he probably got some advice from his longtime pal and “Bachelorette” alum Tyler Cameron.
The runner-up on Hannah Brown’s season in 2019, Cameron — who later dated Gigi Hadid — celebrated James’ casting back in June by sharing a funny throwback of the pair.
“Congrats to my brother @mattjames919 on being named the Bachelor. This is all a testament of who you are as a person. Now the world gets to see the person you are and the heart you have. You can change the world. Proud of you and so excited for you,” Cameron posted to Instagram at the time.
“Not excited that somebody will be taking my spot as your snuggle buddy 😢,” he quipped. “PS peep the drool.”
He was previously cast on Clare Crawley’s season of ‘The Bachelorette’
James accepting a rose from Clare Crawley?
It nearly happened, as the North Carolina native was previously cast on Crawley’s season of “The Bachelorette” earlier this year. Production on her season was halted until July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April, however, Crawley, 39, appeared to shade James on Twitter, after she called out suitors for “doing interviews” ahead of her season.
At the time, James had spoken about his charitable endeavors amid the pandemic.
Crawley did find love during her short-lived season, ultimately getting engaged to former NFL player Dale Moss, 32.
In November, Cameron said James “dodged a bullet” by skipping Crawley’s season.
Like Tayshia Adams, his season was also filmed in a bubble
In a similar fashion to Tayshia Adams, who filmed her “Bachelorette” journey at the La Quinta Resort & Club in California, James’ “Bachelor” season will also take place in a “bubble,” so to speak.
The season was reportedly taped at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania.
He has a good sense of humor
During the coronavirus pandemic, James, Cameron, and some of Cameron’s hometown pals from Jupiter, Florida, formed the famous “quarantine crew.”
The group of friends recorded themselves making TikTok videos and doing workouts together, which earned them a following of nearly 1 million followers on Instagram and TikTok combined. In the videos, James was able to show his fun and playful side.
He has strong Christian values
James’ faith is very important to him. He often shares Bible verses on his Instagram, and said in an interview with his alma mater’s magazine, “Other than becoming a Christian, coming to Wake Forest was the best decision I ever made.”
He also has the word “believer” with a two hands up emoji in his bio.
