What to know about The Bachelor's alleged new lead, Clayton Echard

Eureka, Missouri – The Bachelor seems to have found its next leading man in former professional football player, Clayton Echard.

Bachelor Nation will first meet Clayton Echard as a contestant on the upcoming season of The Bachelorette.
Bachelor Nation will first meet Clayton Echard as a contestant on the upcoming season of The Bachelorette.  © Collage: Screenshot/Instagram/claytonechard

After months of rumors and countless debates on who would be the next Bachelor, it seems that all signs point towards Clayton Echard.

The 28-year-old will apparently make his television debut on Michelle Young's upcoming season of The Bachelorette. Given the fact he's the rumored next Bachelor, it's safe to assume he did not find love with Young.

The news of Echard's leading role in the franchise was first announced in a tweet by reality TV podcaster Reality Steve.

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"It is official, Clayton Echard is the next Bachelor." He continued, "He'll be 3 weeks into filming his season before you ever see him on your screen."

In several follow-up tweets, the podcaster shared various photographs of Echard filming in his hometown of Eureka, Missouri.

In one photo, Echard is seen addressing a crowd under a banner that reads, "Go find love Clayton!"

Though ABC and producers for The Bachelor have yet to confirm or deny the news, former Bachelorette Tayshia Adams spoke with Entertainment Tonight about her feelings on The Bachelor's rumored new lead.

"He seems super fun. I think he'd be a great Bachelor. He was someone that really had fun with all of the dates. I think if it is him, you're in for a little treat."

Adams played the part of co-host on Young's season of The Bachelorette, where Bachelor Nation will first meet Echard.

Like many leads in The Bachelor's past, Echard is a former professional athlete who briefly signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent in 2016 before being cut from the team's roster that same year.

If the rumors are true, fans will get a first look at Echard and his charming ways when Young's season of The Bachelorette kicks off October 19 on ABC.

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshot/Instagram/claytonechard

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