Who Is Emmanuel Acho? Former NFL Player To Replace Chris Harrison On ‘The Bachelor’

Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho will be replacing “The Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” host Chris Harrison on the upcoming special, “After the Final Rose.”

Acho, who is also the author of best-seller “Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man,” tweeted out the big news Saturday night.

“IT’S OFFICIAL: I’ve accepted the Rose & am honored to be hosting the @bachelorabc After the Final Rose this year,” he wrote.

“It’s been a pivotal season & this episode will be one of the most storied shows in its history. Empathy is needed and change is coming. See y’all then!”

Over the years, the “After the Final Rose” special featured live interviews done by Harrison with the bachelor or bachelorette, the winning contestant, and the runner-up, Huff Post reports.

Acho’s new gig comes after Harrison announced he would be stepping back from the ABC franchise after defending current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s racist behavior during an interview with the dating show’s first Black Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay.

Fans dug up old photos of Kirkconnell attending a plantation-themed party in 2018 and found old posts about QAnon conspiracy theories.

After receiving backlash over his behavior, Harrison apologized and announced his plans to step away from the dating show for “a period of time.”

As a result, Acho, who has been outspoken about racism in modern society, will step into Harrison’s role.

The Fox Sports analyst also has a web series in which he discusses racism and has uncomfortable conversations on the topic with guests.

In the past, Acho has spoken with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, actor Matthew McConaughey, gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, talk show host Chelsea Handler, and more.

“Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, is a safe place to have the uncomfortable conversations about race that many white people have never been able to have,” Acho’s website states.

The “After the Final Rose” special is scheduled to air Monday, March 15 on ABC.