ABC's newest " Golden Bachelor ," who initially gained notoriety for saying he doesn't want to date anyone as old as him, was center stage Wednesday as ABC's reality dating show premiered.

Mel Owens, 66, a linebacker for the University of Michigan from 1977 to 1980, earned All-Big Ten recognition before being drafted ninth overall in the 1981 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams .

The former NFL player turned lawyer, appeared on the the “ In the Trenches” podcast earlier this year" and said his preference is to date women 45 to 60 years old.

"I said, 'If they are 60 or over, I’m cutting them.' They said, ‘Mel, this isn’t the Silver Bachelor, It’s the 'Golden Bachelor.' They’re going to be hot, don’t worry about it,'" he said in the interview.

Additionally, he said he wants a part

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