Colton Scott Underwood emerged into the public consciousness as a professional athlete before finding far greater fame through the world of reality television, ultimately making history within a popular franchise. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to parents Scott and Donna Underwood, his early life was steeped in athletics. His talent on the football field led him to play as a defensive end at Illinois State University, where he was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection. This paved the way for a brief career in the National Football League, where he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers in 2014 and later spent time on the practice squads of the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles.

Following his release from professional football, Underwood transitioned to television, joining the cast of the 14th season of The Bachelorette, vying for the affection of Becca Kufrin. His earnest demeanor and unique narrative as a self-professed virgin resonated with audiences, leading to a subsequent appearance on Bachelor in Paradise and, ultimately, his selection as the star of the 23rd season of The Bachelor. His season, which aired in 2019, was notably marked by his dramatic fence jump during international travel, an event that became a defining pop culture moment from the series. His engagement to finalist Cassie Randolph concluded the season, though the couple later ended their relationship in 2020.

In April 2021, Underwood publicly came out as gay during an interview on Good Morning America with Robin Roberts, becoming the first lead in the history of The Bachelor franchise to do so. This announcement was a significant milestone, sparking widespread media coverage and conversation. He further explored his journey in the Netflix documentary series Coming Out Colton, which detailed his life after the revelation. Underwood has since become an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and married his partner, Jordan C. Brown, in 2023. His career continues to blend advocacy with media, including hosting duties and podcasting, solidifying his path from football player and reality star to a prominent figure in discussions of sexuality and identity in modern celebrity culture.