Mel Owens Divorce Comments: Former NFL Star Opens Up on ‘The Golden Bachelor’

Mel Owens is sharing rare and emotional details about his past marriage. During the October 1 episode of The Golden Bachelor Season 2, the 66-year-old former NFL linebacker opened up about his divorce from ex-wife Fabiana Pimentel while on a one-on-one conversation with contestant Nicolle Kate.

The Michigan-born athlete, who spent nine seasons with the Los Angeles Rams before becoming a sports injury lawyer, revealed that his first marriage lasted 25 years. Owens explained that Fabiana decided to end their relationship in February 2020 after wanting to “experience other things.”

Mel Owens Reveals Painful End to 25-Year Marriage

Owens said he went into his marriage believing it would last forever. “I had one marriage, right? And it lasted total 25 years,” he told Nicolle. When asked if he thought it would last his lifetime, Owens responded, “Well, I took the vow.”

He shared that his ex-wife was the one who initiated the divorce. “She was younger, and she wanted to experience other things,” Owens said. Fabiana presented him with the divorce papers, and although the decision hurt deeply, he chose not to fight it. Owens called the experience “heart-wrenching” and admitted it was one of the most painful moments of his life.

The split happened during a tough year for the former athlete. Fabiana filed for divorce in 2020, and Owens also lost his father that same year. “She had found someone new. I was shocked,” he recalled earlier in the season. Despite the heartbreak, Owens said the experience has not turned him away from marriage. He’s open to tying the knot again if the right person comes along.

Emotional Date Wins Nicolle Kate a Rose

Before Owens shared his story, Nicolle revealed that she had been married twice before and no longer sees her divorces as failures. She described her ex-husbands as “really great men” but said she still hopes for “one more marriage that lasts forever.”

The vulnerable exchange between Nicolle and Owens ended on a positive note. Their shared experiences with love and loss created a deep connection, leading Owens to give Nicolle a rose. “She’s definitely a person I could see in my life,” he said after their date.

The Golden Bachelor’s second season continues to show Owens’ journey as he searches for lasting love after personal heartbreak. His honesty about his past marriage has resonated with viewers and added depth to his quest for a new beginning.

Owens’ rare comments about his divorce bring a heartfelt layer to his story on The Golden Bachelor. Fans will be watching to see if this openness helps him find lasting love again.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Mel Owens’ ex-wife?

Mel Owens was married to Fabiana Pimentel for 25 years before they divorced in February 2020.

Q2: Why did Mel Owens and his ex-wife divorce?

Owens shared that Fabiana wanted to “experience other things” and ultimately decided to end the marriage.

Q3: Does Mel Owens want to get married again?

Yes. Despite his painful divorce, Owens said he would marry again if he meets the right woman.

Q4: How did Mel Owens’ divorce affect him?

He called it “heart-wrenching” and one of the hardest times in his life but said he remained hopeful about love.

Q5: When did Mel Owens join The Golden Bachelor?

He was announced as the Season 2 lead in 2025, bringing his life story and search for love to the show.