Matthew “Matt” James, born on December 5, 1991, in Raleigh, North Carolina, is an American television personality, real estate broker, entrepreneur, and former NCAA football player. He gained widespread recognition as the first African-American lead on ABC’s “The Bachelor” during its 25th season.
Early Life and Education
Matt James was raised by his mother, Patty James, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is biracial, with a Black Nigerian father, Manny James, and a White American mother. James identifies as Black. He graduated from Sanderson High School in 2010 and pursued higher education at Wake Forest University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 2015. During his time at Wake Forest, he was a wide receiver for the Demon Deacons football team from 2011 to 2014.
Personal Life
James is known for his dedication to fitness and has participated in events like the New York City Marathon in 2022 and 2023. As of March 2022,
he was in a relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell, whom he met on “The Bachelor.”
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters), Matt James possesses an athletic build, a testament to his background as a collegiate football player. His tall stature and engaging presence have contributed to his appeal as a television personality.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew James |
| Date of Birth | December 5, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Raleigh, North Carolina, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) |
| Parents | Father: Manny James Mother: Patty James |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Wake Forest University (2015) |
| Occupation | Television Personality, Real Estate Broker, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated between $1 million – $5 million |
Professional Football Career
After college, James pursued a career in professional football.
He participated in mini-camp tryouts with the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints of the NFL in 2015 but was not signed by either team.
Career in Real Estate and Entrepreneurship
Transitioning from sports, James worked at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh before moving to New York City, where he joined CBRE Group, Inc., a commercial real estate firm. Demonstrating a commitment to community service, he founded ABC Food Tours, a non-profit organization that educates children in underserved communities about food and exercise in New York City.
The Bachelor
James’s close friendship with Tyler Cameron, a former contestant on “The Bachelorette,” led to his introduction to reality television. Originally cast for season 16 of “The Bachelorette,” James was later selected as the lead for season 25 of “The Bachelor,” becoming the first African-American male to hold this position. The season concluded with James choosing to pursue a relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell.
Dancing with the Stars
In September 2021, James expanded his television presence by competing in season 30 of “Dancing with the Stars,” partnered with professional dancer Lindsay Arnold. The duo was eliminated in week 4, finishing in 12th place.
Latest News
As of January 16, 2025, Matt James announced his breakup with Rachael Kirkconnell after four years together. In an Instagram post, James expressed the need for strength and peace regarding their decision to end the relationship. The couple, who met during the filming of season 25 of “The Bachelor” in 2020, had previously navigated public scrutiny and controversies but had remained together until this recent announcement.
Net Worth as of 2024
As of 2024, Matt James’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth is attributed to his ventures in real estate, earnings from television appearances, and entrepreneurial activities, including his non-profit organization.
FAQS
- Who is Matt James in a relationship with?
Matt James was previously in a relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell, whom he met on The Bachelor. As of January 2025, they have announced their separation. - How does Matt James make money?
Matt James makes money through his career in real estate, his non-profit ABC Food Tours, and his television appearances, including his role on The Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars. - Did Matt James get engaged?
No, Matt James did not get engaged to any of the women from his season of The Bachelor. He ended the season without an engagement. - Who is Matt James with right now?
As of 2025, Matt James is no longer in a relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell, and there is no public information about his current relationship status.For more information on rising tennis stars, check out our detailed article on Coco Gauff, where we explore her journey and achievements in the world of tennis. You can also visit Idea Invoke’s coverage of Denis Shapovalov, which dives into his career and highlights his rise in professional tennis.
