Newtown's Brandon Cottom cast on 44th season of Survivor. What we know

Surviving Newtown is one thing for Brandon Cottom, but can he survive interpersonal conflicts and the Fijian Mamanuca Islands?

That is the question set before Cottom and 17 other castaways on the latest season of CBS' "Survivor," which filmed on the Fijian Mamanuca Islands last summer.

Here's what to know about Bucks County's latest reality star:

From the Seattle Seahwawks to 'Survivor'

Before Survivor, Cottom, 30, found success on the gridiron, first as a 262-pound running back at Purdue University, and then as a member of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.

After sustaining a few injury setbacks with the Seahawks, Cottom joined the Alliance of American Football and last played professional football in 2019 as a member of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League.

Survivor casting took note of Cottom's background and athletic ability and selected him as one of the castaways.

Documentary uses Bucks County talent:PBS to air three-part series produced by Bucks County partners

'Survivor' continues its legacy

Cottom joins five other castaways in the Ratu tribe. The other 12 castaways are split between the Soka and Tika tribes.

The tribes will compete with one another on a series of challenges. In the season premiere which aired on Wednesday, March 1, the castaways embarked on their first challenge, obtaining crucial camp supplies.

Essentially, tribes compete in various challenges, with the tribal council eliminating subpar castaways along the way. That leads to the sole Survivor being selected in the season-ending final tribal council. Along with the title, the sole survivor will pocket a $1 million grand prize.

On the next episode, which airs at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8 on CBS, tribes will snake their way toward a win for immunity plus reward. CBS teases that paranoia set in during this episode, as suspicion looms and lines are drawn in the sand at the tribal council.

Bucks County home to prior reality show contestants

There is no shortage of reality show contestants from Bucks County.

2014 Archbishop Wood High School graduate Shannon St. Claire starred on "Love Island USA" season three on CBS, and Doylestown native Justin Guarini found fame after becoming the runner-up in the 2002 season of American Idol.

From American Idol to Broadway:New Broadway role has Justin Guarini embracing his 'Wicked' ways

The hometown favorite from Middletown:Katie Turner on American Idol

Middletown native Catie Turner appeared on season 16 of American Idol, singing her way to a top-ten finish, and Newtown native Camille Schrier won the 2019 Miss America Pageant.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Newtown native Brandon Cottom cast on 44th season of CBS' Survivor