Mel Owens

Mel Owens is a former NFL linebacker turned attorney, best known for his career with the Los Angeles Rams and later work in sports law and disability advocacy. Owens grew up in the Midwest before attending the University of Michigan. He played college football for the Wolverines and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1980.

Owens was selected in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He played linebacker for the Rams for nine seasons, becoming a key player on the team’s defense throughout the 1980s. After retiring from the NFL in 1991, Owens transitioned into law. He earned his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. In 2006, he cofounded the law firm Namanny, Byrne & Owens, focusing on representing professional athletes and individuals in workers’ compensation and disability cases.

In 2025, he was announced as the season 2 lead of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor. At the end of the season, Owens gave his final rose and a commitment ring to Peg Munson.

Owens tied the knot with Fabiana Owens in 2002. The pair split in 2020.They share two songs, Lucas and Andre.