Jesse Palmer

Jesse Palmer is a multifaceted television personality, sports commentator, and former professional football quarterback. Palmer has hosted several television programs, including the Food Network's "Holiday Baking Championship" and ABC's "The Proposal."

In 2004, Palmer became the first professional athlete to star as "The Bachelor" in the show's fifth season. In 2021, he was named the permanent host of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," bringing his journey full circle within the franchise.

Palmer's broadcast career began with Fox Sports Net, with analysis on Arena Football League games. He was later a game and studio analyst for CSTV in late 2005 and worked National Football League (NFL) games for Fox in 2006. Palmer joined ESPN in 2007 as a college football analyst and has held prominent roles both in the studio and as a game analyst.

Palmer attended the University of Florida, playing quarterback for the Gators under coach Steve Spurrier from 1997 to 2000. He often shared playing time with quarterbacks Doug Johnson and Rex Grossman. As a senior, he was a team captain and received the Gators' Fergie Ferguson Award, recognizing outstanding leadership, character, and courage. He completed his college career with 3,755 passing yards and graduated with dual degrees in political science and marketing.

In the 2001 NFL Draft, Palmer was selected in the fourth round by the New York Giants, where he played until 2004. He also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.