Matt James (television personality) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matt James
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| Born |
Matthew James
December 5, 1991 |
| Alma mater | Wake Forest University (BA) |
| Occupation | Real estate broker, entrepreneur, community organization founder |
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Football career |
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| 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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Matthew James (born December 5, 1991) is an American television personality and businessman. He also used to play college football. James is best known for being the first Black male lead on the TV show The Bachelor in season 25.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Matt James grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. His parents are Manny and Patty James. His mother mostly raised him. 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 graduated in 2010. After high school, he attended Wake Forest University. In 2015, James earned his 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
After college, Matt James tried out for two professional football teams. He had mini-camp tryouts with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. Both teams are part of the National Football League. These tryouts happened in 2015. However, he was not signed to play for either team.
Career
Before moving to New York City, Matt James worked at a bank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Later, he began working in commercial real estate in New York City.
Matt James also started a non-profit organization called ABC Food Tours. This group helps children in communities that don't have many resources. It teaches them about healthy food and exercise.
The Bachelor
Matt James and Tyler Cameron were friends and played football together at Wake Forest University. Tyler Cameron's mother suggested Matt should be a contestant on The Bachelorette.
Matt was first chosen to be on season 16. But filming was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, he was chosen to be the next Bachelor for season 25 of The Bachelor. This made him the first African American male lead in the show's history. The season ended with Matt choosing to continue a relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell.
Dancing with the Stars
In September 2021, Matt James was announced as a celebrity contestant. He competed on season 30 of Dancing with the Stars. His dance partner was 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. Their relationship ended in January 2025.
Matt James is also a marathon runner. He has participated in the New York City Marathon. He ran in the marathon in both 2022 and 2023.
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
