By now, Matt James is a name you’re likely familiar with, as the first-ever Black Bachelor lead in the series’ wildly successful 25-year history. James is being hailed by fans and ABC alike as the start to a new era for a franchise that has often been accused of misstepping — and while we’ll still be holding them accountable for broader changes in how they approach casting, producing, and more, we have to say that James is a promising start. At six feet, five inches tall, James is literally and figuratively head and shoulders above past Bachelors. The more we learn about this 28-year-old heartthrob, the more we fall in love.
Here’s everything you need to know about the season 25 lead.
He’s Very Tall
🌒
A post shared by Matt James (@mattjames919) on Dec 5, 2019 at 2:43pm PST
I know I mentioned this already, but I’ll say it again: 6’5″. Ladies, bring your highest heels.
He’s Close with His Mother
Happy Birthday Mama 🐼❤️ . . . Proverbs 22:6 🙌🏽
A post shared by Matt James (@mattjames919) on Mar 26, 2020 at 4:10pm PDT
James features his mom (“Miss Patty”) often on his page, saying how much he loves and admires her. We love to see it!
He Lives in New York City
🐸☕️ . . 📸: @brownbearvisuals
A post shared by Matt James (@mattjames919) on Jan 16, 2020 at 11:42am PST
While James was born and raised in North Carolina, he’s since moved to the big city.
He’s a Real Estate Broker
A view of the Empire State Building from DUMBO. DUMBO, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Photo credit: @212sid #brooklyn #DUMBO #newyork #nyc #streetphotography #photooftheday #citybestviews #best_new_york #nyclandmarks #nycphoto #instagramnyc #nycprimeshots #newyork_citigram #photography #picoftheday #primeshots #city_captures #city_features #cityscapes_unlimited #empirestatebuilding
A post shared by CBRE (@cbre) on Sep 3, 2019 at 6:54am PDT
James works as a real estate broker for CBRE, but that’s hardly his full-time job. He’s also an entrepreneur, community activist, and…
Yes, He’s Modeled
🇳🇬x🇮🇹 📸: @jamesfarrellphoto 🎬: @diana.fitness
A post shared by Matt James (@mattjames919) on Sep 27, 2018 at 5:30pm PDT
Look at his face. Look at it. Of course he’s modeled, and in fact initially moved to NYC to pursue a modeling career.
He’s Religious
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 . . . First (of many) “LONDON” Young Explorers Food Tour in the books 🙌🏽 . . . 📸: @houseofxj . . . . 🍕: @mammadough Feed | Educate | Giveback
A post shared by Matt James (@mattjames919) on Mar 2, 2019 at 10:33am PST
His Instagram bio says it plain and simple: Believer. Many of his captions quote Bible verses or praise God.
He’s Best Friends with Tyler Cameron
We have finally made ourselves a home together thanks to our friends over at @raymourflanigan! (#MYLER is forever) This whole set was customizable to the tee. We have come a long way from living on the bean bag. Check out the new digs and tell me what y’all think of how I did with my interior design for my first grown up apartment! #raymourflanigan_partner
A post shared by Tyler Cameron (@tylerjcameron3) on Feb 27, 2020 at 2:17pm PST
Not only is he best friends with Tyler Cameron, he’s his roommate too. And yeah, they make a lot of shirtless TikToks together.
He’s a Football Pro
Delayed Does Not Mean Denied! Praise 👆🏽 In Advance 🙏🏽🙌🏽
A post shared by Matt James (@mattjames919) on Jul 28, 2015 at 11:15am PDT
James played football at Wake Forest University, and apparently can still run a 6:20 mile.
He’s Passionate About Helping Others
Edward – “What’s sand feel like?” Me – “You’ll see” . First west coast tour was a success 🙌🏽 . Feed | Educate | Giveback . 🎬x📸: @eli__rae
A post shared by Matt James (@mattjames919) on Aug 11, 2019 at 6:32pm PDT
James and Cameron co-founded ABC Food Tours, a program that gives the kids of underserved communities opportunities to explore NYC. He came up with the idea after passing a group of young kids on the Lower East Side and then learning from their principal how much of the elementary school population was homeless. Since then, it’s grown into a massive operation for physical and mental wellness in underserved communities.
I Could Watch Him Dance All Day
When your parents leave the record player on.. 😂🕺🏾 | @tylerjcameron3 #fyp #foryou
♬ computerized love – jubyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
This isn’t exactly a fact about him, but watch the above and try to tell me you disagree.
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