"Golden Bachelor" Mel Owens is ready to find love. And yes, that includes women over 60.

The former NFL linebacker, 66, who played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1981 to 1989, was named the second "Golden Bachelor" in April. However, in June, he told the In the Trenches podcast that he would be "cutting" any of the ABC reality dating show's female contestants who were 60 or over.

Since then, the divorcé and father of two has been apologizing and says he is ready to be grilled by the 23 women competing, only one of whom is under 60, in the premiere episode.

Owens, in an earlier interview with USA TODAY, estimated apologizing more than 20 times in the first episode − in groups and individually.

"It's good because I deserved it and I had to deal with it. I explained to them sincerely, to just give me another chance. They could have or could not have. But they did."

With Owens in the limelight, here's what to know about Season 2 of "The Golden Bachelor," including the premiere date, time and cast.

Watch 'The Golden Bachelor' on Hulu

Who is 'The Golden Bachelor'?

Season 2's Golden Bachelor is Mel Owens, 66, a former NFL veteran-turned-lawyer.

Owens was born and raised in Detroit and his "athleticism shone through from an early age," ABC said about him in his bio.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, where he played college football, Owens was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft by the LA Rams.

Upon his retirement from football, Owens began his career as a lawyer, specializing in sports injuries.

"It was during this time that he met his first love, and together they had two sons," Owens bio said, adding life later "took an unexpected turn" as his father passed and his marriage fell apart.

"Now, after several years as a devoted dad, Owens is ready to rediscover a love rooted in the simple joys of companionship — sharing life’s everyday moments, making plans for the future, and growing stronger together as a couple," ABC said. "As the Golden Bachelor, he’s eager to meet someone who shares this vision and finally find that perfect teammate he’s been waiting for in his golden years."

When does 'The Golden Bachelor' Season 2 premiere?

Season 2 of "The Golden Bachelor" will premiere with two episodes on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. New episodes will drop weekly on Wednesdays and will be available to stream on Hulu the next day.

ABC has not yet released the full schedule for "The Golden Bachelor" Season 2, and it not yet clear how many episodes the season will have. "The Bachelor" franchises typically have nine to 13 episodes per season. Season 1 of "The Golden Bachelor" had nine episodes, followed by a special wedding episode that aired a little more than a month after the finale.

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How to watch 'The Golden Bachelor' Season 2

"The Golden Bachelor" will air on ABC every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET and will be available to stream on Hulu the next day.

Watch 'The Golden Bachelor': Stream on Hulu

Who is in the cast of 'The Golden Bachelor' Season 2?

The 23 women vying for Owens' heart include:

  • Alexandra, 67: Luxury yacht sales representative from Miami, FL
  • Amy, 63: Full-time mom from Short Hills, N.J.
  • Andra, 77: Retired federal worker from Los Angeles, CA
  • Carla, 62: Former model from Los Angeles, CA
  • Carol, 63: Family manager for baseball all-star Freddie Freeman from Villa Park, CA
  • Cheryl, 66: Retired US Treasury Worker from Lakewood, CO
  • Cindy, 60: Retired biomedical engineer from Austin, TX
  • Debbie, 65: Fitness professional from Denver, CO
  • Diane, 71: Librarian from Wasilla, AK
  • Gerri, 64: Home care agency CEO from Rockville, MD
  • Lily, 72: Retired elementary school teacher from Pacific Palisades, CA
  • Lisa, 66: State park employee from Marion, OH
  • Maia, 58: College sports consultant from Malibu, CA
  • Monica B., 62: Flight attendant from Huntsville, AL
  • Monica P., 60: Cosmetic dentist from Birmingham, AL
  • Mylene, 61: Casino VIP host from Las Vegas, NV
  • Nicolle, 64: Yoga instructor from Miami Beach, FL
  • Peg, 62: Retired firefighter and bomb tech from Las Vegas, NV
  • Robin, 63: Wealth advisor/vineyard owner from Napa Valley, CA
  • Roxanne, 62: Longevity nurse from Austin, TX
  • Susie, 62: Realtor from Del Mar, CA
  • Terri, 71: Cosmetic dentist from Houston, TX
  • Tracy, 62: Interior designer from Lafayette, LA

Who will host 'The Golden Bachelorette'?

Canadian-born TV personality and ex-football commentator Jesse Palmer will host the show.

Watch the 'The Golden Bachelor' Season 2 trailer

Bachelor Nation dropped a teaser featuring the cast of Season 2 of "The Golden Bachelor" on Sept. 4.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'The Golden Bachelor': Premiere date, time, cast, where to watch Season 2

Reporting by Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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