Jesse Palmer, back-up quarterback for the NFL New York Giants and the first professional athlete to star as The Bachelor, is done with playing the field, as he searches for a woman who shares his desire for a serious, long-term relationship — and even possibly marriage.
Right from the start, season five of The Bachelor tantalizes viewers with exciting new elements. Unbeknownst to the women, there's a spy living with them in the house who appears to be one of the romantic hopefuls — but is secretly entrusted to give Jesse the lowdown on the behind-the-scenes competition for his heart. The show also offers a new "first impression" rose, extended on episode one to the woman who has made the best first impression on Jesse. Additionally, the very first rose ceremony takes a startling turn when Jesse makes "a terrible mistake." Can he recover?
Twenty-five-year-old Jesse will get to know 25 women via a series of social gatherings and exotic, romantic dates — in groups with some, and individually with others. He will introduce some of the women to his closest friends and family, and will visit their hometowns and meet their parents in an effort to determine the most desirable and compatible prospect.
The Bachelor follows a gradual process of elimination, as Jesse must narrow the field of women from 25 to 15 on the season premiere, presenting each of his choices with a single red rose. Jesse then closes the gap to 10, six, four, three, two and, ultimately, the one woman who captures his heart. At any point along the way, however, should any of the women decide that they are no longer interested in him, they may reject his invitation to continue dating.
Jesse Palmer, drafted by the New York Giants in 2001, brought impressive collegiate credentials to the NFL and became the top back-up quarterback last season, after spending a season as the No.-3 signal-caller. Jesse ranks fourth on the University of Florida Gators' all-time list with a 133.14 passing efficiency rating, and was named to the Southeastern Conference's Academic Honor Roll for the third straight year in 2000.
A graduate from St. Pius X in Ontario, Canada, in December 1996, Jesse played for a club team in Canada, the Myers Riders. He was named Canadian Player of the Year in 1996, and helped the team to the Provincial Championship three times (1994, 1995 and 1996). He also led the East Nepean Eagles baseball team to the 1994 CanAm Syracuse Baseball Tournament title, the first Canadian team to win the championship in the 35-year history of the tournament.
Born Jesse James Palmer on Oct. 5, 1978, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Jesse is the son of Susan and Bill Palmer. His father was a former Canadian Football League star with the Ottawa Rough Riders, and his brother, Billy, is a tight end at Notre Dame.
