Colton Underwood on Battling COVID-19, Love, and Life After The Bachelor

On a recent episode of Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, Colton Underwood shared his personal experience with COVID-19, what it was like quarantining with Cassie Randolph’s family, and how he found love and clarity through reality TV. The former Bachelor star also opened up about his struggles with masculinity, societal pressures, and how he’s moving forward in his career and personal life.

From Reality Star to COVID-19 Survivor

Colton Underwood, known for his time on The Bachelor and his career in the NFL, faced one of his toughest challenges yet—contracting COVID-19. The virus, which has impacted millions worldwide, left him struggling with severe symptoms, including high fevers, night sweats, and difficulty breathing.

“I woke up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, and I couldn’t catch my breath,” Colton recalled. “That was when I knew this was serious.”

Despite taking precautions, including social distancing and handwashing, he still contracted the virus. His story serves as a crucial reminder that even young, healthy individuals are not immune.

Takeaway: Even if you’re following guidelines, the virus is unpredictable. Taking every possible precaution—wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding unnecessary outings—is essential to protecting yourself and others.

How He Recovered: The Role of Medication and Family Support

Colton was fortunate to receive early treatment with the medications hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin—the same drugs that gained national attention for their potential benefits against COVID-19.

“The medication worked like magic for me,” he admitted. “Within days, my fever broke, my night sweats stopped, and I started feeling better.”

However, he also acknowledged the controversy surrounding these treatments and emphasized that his experience was personal—not medical advice.

Throughout his recovery, Cassie and her family took extraordinary precautions to care for him without putting themselves at risk. They wore masks and gloves, left food and water outside his door, and limited their contact with him.

Surprisingly, despite being in the same household, none of them tested positive for the virus.

Takeaway: If someone in your household gets sick, strict isolation and hygiene practices can prevent the spread. Masks, gloves, and distancing—even within the same home—can make a difference.

Navigating Love in the Public Eye

Colton’s journey to love was anything but traditional. His season of The Bachelor was marked by dramatic twists, including his infamous fence jump and refusal to follow the show’s structured format.

“I knew I was in love with Cassie, so why would I go through the motions with the other women?” he explained. “I had to follow my heart, even if it meant breaking the rules.”

Despite the pressures of being a public couple, Colton and Cassie have continued to navigate their relationship on their own terms.

When asked about a potential on-camera wedding, Colton said, “We’re open to it, but we’d have to make sure it’s meaningful and not just for spectacle.”

Takeaway: Love isn’t about following a script—it’s about what feels right for the people in the relationship. Society, TV producers, and even fans may have expectations, but in the end, only you can decide what works for your love story.

Rewriting His Narrative: Life After The Bachelor

While The Bachelor gave Colton a platform, he’s determined to define his identity beyond reality TV. His new memoir, The First Time, dives deep into his struggles with masculinity, societal expectations, and self-discovery.

“I spent a lot of my life trying to fit into what I thought a football player, a man, or even a Bachelor should be,” he admitted. “This book is my way of taking control of my own story.”

One of the most vulnerable revelations in the book was his battle with self-doubt and sexuality. Due to societal pressures and rumors in high school, Colton questioned his identity.

“When people kept saying I was gay, I started wondering—maybe they’re right?” he said. “But in the end, I realized that I had to stop letting other people define me.”

Now, he’s focused on building a career outside of the Bachelor franchise. He has an upcoming hosting project and is eager to take on new challenges.

“I love being on camera, I love having a platform, and I love sharing a message,” he said. “I just want to make sure whatever I do next is meaningful.”

Takeaway: Life after reality TV—or any major transition—requires redefining yourself. It’s about taking ownership of your story and making choices that align with who you truly are, not what others expect you to be.

How Colton Is Getting Better Every Day

Amidst the pressures of fame, love, and recovery, Colton is prioritizing self-care.

“I used to be a workaholic, always needing to be busy,” he admitted. “Now, I’m learning to sit in silence, to allow myself to do nothing without guilt. That’s been a game-changer.”

His journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness, adaptability, and the courage to follow your own path—even when it means breaking the mold.

For more inspiring conversations and life lessons, tune in to Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, available on all podcast platforms.