Matt James (television personality) facts for kids
{{Infobox person | name = Matt James | image = Matt James (51914462301) (cropped) (cropped).jpg | caption = | birth_name = Matthew James | birth_date = December 5, 1991 | birth_place = | alma_mater = Wake Forest University
(BA) | occupation = Real estate broker, entrepreneur, community organization founder | partner = | module =
Football career} Matthew James(born December 5, 1991) is an American TV star, businessman, and former college football player. He is famous for being the first Black male lead on the TV show The Bachelorin its 25th season.
Contents
| No. 15, 87 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Wide receiver |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | December 5, 1991 |
| Height: | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight: | 211 lb (96 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Sanderson (Raleigh, North Carolina) |
| College: | Wake Forest (2010–2014) |
| Undrafted: | 2015 |
| Career history | |
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Early Life and School
Matt James grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. His parents are Manny and Patty James. He was mostly raised by his mother. Matt is biracial, meaning he has a Black Nigerian father and a White American mother. He identifies as Black.
He went to Sanderson High School and finished in 2010. After high school, he went to Wake Forest University. In 2015, Matt earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Wake Forest. While there, he also played as a wide receiver for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team from 2011 to 2014.
Professional Football Career
After college, Matt tried out for two professional football teams. In May and June 2015, he had mini-camp tryouts. These were with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. Both teams are part of the National Football League. However, he was not signed by either team.
Career Highlights
Before moving to New York City, Matt James worked at PNC Bank. This job was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Now, he works for CBRE Group, Inc.. This company deals with commercial real estate in New York City.
Matt is also the founder of ABC Food Tours. This is a non-profit organization. It helps teach children in less fortunate areas about healthy food and exercise. The program runs in New York City.
Becoming The Bachelor
Matt James and Tyler Cameron were friends and played football together at Wake Forest University. Tyler's mother actually nominated Matt to be a contestant on The Bachelorette.
Matt was first chosen to be a contestant for season 16 of The Bachelorette. This season was supposed to star Clare Crawley. But filming was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this delay, Matt was instead chosen to be the next Bachelor. He became the lead for season 25 of The Bachelor. This made him the first Black male lead in the show's history. The season ended with Matt choosing to continue a relationship with 24-year-old graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell.
Dancing with the Stars
In September 2021, Matt James joined another popular TV show. He was announced as one of the celebrities on season 30 of Dancing with the Stars. He was paired with professional dancer Lindsay Arnold. They were eliminated in week 4 of the competition. They finished in 12th place.
Personal Life
Matt James was in a relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell. She was the woman he chose on The Bachelor. Matt is also a marathon runner. He ran in the 2022 and 2023 New York City Marathon.
Images for kids
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Shalane Flanagan and Matt James at mile 24 of the 2023 New York City Marathon
See also
In Spanish: Matt James para niños
