Matt James, a former wide receiver at Wake Forest, will make history as the first black man to be the lead on “The Bachelor.”
The series is in its 25th season and has been criticized for years alongside “The Bachelorette” for being predominantly white. Those criticisms took on renewed urgency as demonstrations continue around the nation for racial equality.
James, 28, is only the second black person to be featured in the title role in the combined 40 seasons of the two shows. Rachel Lindsay led “The Bachelorette” in 2017.
James’ career was beset by injuries and he played in 23 games across four seasons from 2011-14.