Clayton Echard

Clayton Ray Echard is an American television personality and former football player best known for appearing on season 18 of *The Bachelorette* and starring in season 26 of *The Bachelor*.

Clayton Ray Echard is an American television personality and former football player best known for appearing on season 18 of *The Bachelorette* and starring in season 26 of *The Bachelor*. He was born on April 29, 1993, in Eureka, Missouri, and played college football at the University of Missouri before attending training camp with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016. His stint on *The Bachelor* made him a prominent figure in the Bachelor Nation franchise.

Early life and education

Echard is from Eureka, Missouri, in the St. Louis metropolitan area. He attended the University of Missouri, where he studied health science; additional reporting indicates he also pursued minors in business and Spanish.

Football career

Before entering reality television, Echard played college football for the University of Missouri as a tight end. In 2016, he participated in a training camp with the Seattle Seahawks, though he did not make the regular-season roster.

Reality television

Echard first gained public attention as a contestant on Michelle Young's season of *The Bachelorette* in 2021. He was later selected as the lead for season 26 of *The Bachelor*, which premiered in January 2022, and became one of the best-known figures in Bachelor Nation through his run on the franchise.

Personal life

Public reporting on Echard's personal life has focused on his relationships during and after *The Bachelor*. He ended the season engaged to Susie Evans, and the couple reconciled after the finale before eventually splitting in September 2022.