Colton Underwood: I Thought The Bachelor Would Make Me Straight “I Prayed To God”

16 June 2026 · 1h 42m

We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

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Show notes

Colton Underwood became one of the most talked-about figures in reality TV after going from the NFL to The Bachelor, before publicly coming out as gay in one of the most scrutinised moments of his life.

In this rare conversation, Colton reflects on growing up in football, faith and the Midwest, while privately knowing he was gay and trying desperately to hide it. He speaks about praying to be straight, building a fake public life, and the pressure of becoming “the virgin Bachelor” while living behind what he describes as a spiderweb of lies.

Colton opens up about the rules, secrecy and fear that shaped his relationships, the NFL locker room culture that kept him in the closet, and the blackmail that pushed him toward finally coming out.

He also reflects on his time on the US Traitors, the backlash that followed, and why he believes some viewers still misunderstand who he is now.

Now a husband and father, Colton speaks about accountability, healing, and what it means to stop performing after years of hiding who he really was.

Colton Underwood, We Need To Talk

This conversation includes discussion of addiction and mental health. Please take care while watching. We’ve included links to support resources below:

Samaritans: https://linkly.link/2kE85

MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b

CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H

https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk

https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod

Follow Colton here:

https://www.instagram.com/coltonunderwood/?hl=en

https://www.tiktok.com/@coltonunderwood

(00:00) Intro

(01:51) Early Life and Upbringing

(07:14) Growing Up Gay in the Midwest

(09:07) How Colton’s Parents' Divorce Affected Him