Clayton Ray Echard was a contestant on the 18th season of The Bachelorette.
He was eliminated in week 6.
He was announced as the Bachelor for season 26 of The Bachelor in September 2021 shortly after filming of The Bachelorette but before the airing of the show. Echard wasn't made publicly official until November 30, 2021.
Personal life[]
Despite Susie Evans rejecting his proposal at the final rose ceremony, Susie and Clayton got back together as seen on the After the Final Rose special.
They announced their breakup on September 23, 2022.
Biography[]
The Bachelorette[]
Retrieved from abc.com
Clayton is a Missouri thoroughbred who has it all – good looks, a great job and a wonderful family. The only thing missing is the perfect woman with whom to share his life. His dream woman is funny, independent, intelligent and athletic enough to join him at the gym for a workout. He wants to find something truly special and is willing to put in the hard work to find love that will last forever. Clayton is so excited to meet Michelle and loves that she has a passion for her career. His mom is a teacher just like Michelle, and he finds it impressive that she’s made this journey work without having to take time away from her students. Clayton truly believes that Michelle could be the perfect match for him. Will they hit it off?
- Fun Facts:
- Clayton had a mohawk in college.
- Clayton’s rapping alter ego is named Clay-Doh.
- Clayton would love to own multiple gyms.
The Bachelor[]
Retrieved from abc.com
Clayton Echard, who was first introduced as one of Michelle Young's suitors in season 18 of The Bachelorette, not only connects romantically with the captivating Minneapolis school teacher but is also a favorite of Michelle's middle school students. Ultimately, however, Michelle sends Clayton home, leading to one of the most emotional and heart-wrenching moments in Bachelor history. In that one touching moment, Clayton's genuine desire to find a partner and start a family shines through, and never has it been so evident that one man deserves a second chance at finding that great love.
Nicknamed "Claynos" by his friends in the house due partly to his sculpted physique, Clayton grows stronger with every rose, opening himself up to Michelle in ways he never thought possible. This Midwestern man proves he is so much more than just a good-looking guy with a rock-hard bod. He's a throwback romantic who's not afraid to put himself out there for love.
Clayton graduated with a bachelor's degree in health science from the University of Missouri, where he also minored in business and Spanish. He currently works in medical sales but is embarking on his MBA with the intention of starting his own business.
A walk-on for the University of Missouri football team, Clayton quickly became a scholarship player who took on a prominent role in guiding the team to back-to-back SEC championship games and a national top ten ranking. He even had a brief stint with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks before quickly realizing his football abilities didn't quite match his business acumen.
Back home in Missouri, Clayton enjoys spending time at his family home on Lake St. Louis. You can often find him there tubing out on the boat, fishing off the dock or getting competitive over some cornhole with his friends, his two younger brothers and his mom and dad.
Growing up in the idyllic suburbs of St. Louis, Clayton had the perfect example of what marriage and love can be. His parents, Brian and Kelly, have been married for 29 years now, and their relationship is precisely the kind Clayton so desperately wants for himself. Just like his parents, Clayton's looking for a partner, a great love and a best friend.
