.

In 2012, he was one of 25 bachelors vying for North Carolina native Emily Maynard and quickly became a fan favorite after a prank where Lowe convinced her that he still lived with his parents.

But Sean‘s good manners, Midwestern charm, and determination to find love won over viewers.

The next year, ABC cast Sean as The Bachelor season 17 lead. He played the sport throughout his childhood and, in high school, initially served as a linebacker for the Irving High Tigers at Irving High School before transferring to Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, where he graduated and played football for the Lamar Vikings, honing skills in teamwork and discipline that reflected the values instilled by his family.^[2][17] This early athletic involvement not only built his physical resilience but also reinforced the emphasis on community and achievement present in his upbringing, setting the stage for his later pursuits.^[16]

College and early career

Lowe attended Texas A&M University for one semester after high school before transferring to Kansas State University, where he received a full football scholarship in spring 2002.^[18][19] At Kansas State, he played as a linebacker on the football team for four years under coach Bill Snyder, including participation in the 2003 Big 12 Championship Game, though he later shifted his primary focus toward academics to complete his degree.^[20][3] He graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in social sciences.^[3][20]Following graduation, Lowe returned to the Dallas area, where he began his professional career as an insurance salesman, following in his father's footsteps in the field.^[2][11] He worked selling State Farm insurance policies while also pursuing side opportunities in fitness modeling to supplement his income.^[3] This role provided career stability in the competitive Dallas-Fort Worth region, allowing him to establish a routine as a single professional in his late 20s, balancing sales targets with personal fitness and social activities before transitioning to reality television.^[3][2]

Reality television career

Appearance on The Bachelorette (2012)

Sean Lowe joined the cast of season 8 of The Bachelorette as one of 25 contestants vying for the affection of single mother Emily Maynard.^[21] The season premiered on ABC on May 14, 2012, with filming taking place primarily in Charlotte, North Carolina, Maynard's hometown.^[22] At 28 years old, Lowe, an insurance agent from Irving, Texas, entered the competition seeking a serious relationship after a series of unsuccessful attempts in his personal life.^[23]Throughout the season, Lowe distinguished himself with a wholesome, straightforward demeanor that resonated with viewers, earning him praise for his Christian values, emotional openness, and athletic physique honed from his college football background.^[24] He advanced to the final four, receiving a hometown date in week 6 where Maynard visited his family in Dallas, allowing her to see his close-knit relationships and grounded lifestyle.^[25] Notable moments included his one-on-one dates, such as a romantic getaway in Prague and an adventurous outing in London, where he demonstrated loyalty and humor, further solidifying his status as a fan favorite.^[26]Lowe's journey ended in week 9 during the rose ceremony in Curaçao, where Maynard eliminated him just before the finale, leaving him in third place after he had professed his love for her.^[27] The unexpected elimination shocked many, as Lowe had been viewed as a strong contender.^[24] In the immediate aftermath, widespread public support from fans highlighted his appeal, prompting ABC to announce on September 25, 2012, that he would star as the lead in the next season of The Bachelor.^[28] This quick pivot underscored his popularity and the network's confidence in his ability to draw viewers.^[29]

Role on The Bachelor (2013)

Sean Lowe served as the lead on the seventeenth season of The Bachelor, which premiered on ABC on January 7, 2013.

It has grown into one of Wayfair's prominent American brands, with items like the Luxe sofa ranking among the retailer's best-sellers.^{[48][49][50][51]}Lowe has also capitalized on his social media presence, amassing over 1 million Instagram followers by 2025, to secure sponsorships and partnerships with lifestyle brands.

The life-long Texan hailed from a close-knit family and attended Kansas State on a full football scholarship, where he played linebacker and helped the Wildcats win a Big 12 Conference championship. Giudici shared a tribute on Instagram, posting photos and expressing her love, noting the complex but meaningful relationship they shared.^[79]Following the Moose attacks, Lowe provided recovery updates on Instagram in April 2025, stating he was "doing great" after a month of healing from the injuries that had left him "squirting" blood.^[80][81] By June 2025, he shared insights into discussions with his three children—Samuel, Isaiah, and Mia—about pet responsibility, emphasizing lessons on approaching animals respectfully and understanding boundaries to prevent future incidents.^[78] These conversations underscored the family's commitment to turning adversity into educational opportunities, fostering empathy and caution around pets.Later in 2025, the family faced another minor scare in August when their van broke down on the roadside during 104°F heat, stranding Lowe and the children temporarily before they secured a rental car and resolved the issue safely without injury.^[82] No major health issues have been reported for Lowe or his family beyond these pet-related and logistical challenges, reflecting their ongoing focus on resilience amid everyday family life.^[80]