Backstage Country

LISTEN LIVE

Lee Brice, Ray Charles, And More – Can’t Beat Cody

Can’t Beat Cody is powered by Rob Zapata’s Electric For more from the Kicks Wake Up Krew, click here.

ACM: Stories, Songs & Stars: A Songwriter's Event Benefiting ACM Lifting Lives - Show - Lee Brice

LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 13: Lee Brice performs onstage during ACM Stories, Songs & Stars: A Songwriter’s Event Benefiting ACM Lifting Lives at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on April 13, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for ACM)

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for ACM

Can't Beat Cody is powered by Rob Zapata's Electric

Rob Zapata's Electric

For more from the Kicks Wake Up Krew, click here.

Country Stars Who Were Also College Football Stars

College football season is well underway.  And while there are many stars who also cheer for their favorite team each week, did you know there are some country stars who were also college football stars?

It's true! Some of your favorite artists haven't always just been in the spotlight on stage.  There were a few who donned their football gear and hit the turf on Saturdays in college.

And of course, when it comes to country artists, we also have some who didn't play football, but they did play other sports! Did you know Garth Brooks threw the javelin at Oklahoma State? Then you have Kip Moore who played basketball and golf in college. In high school, Carrie Underwood was quite the athlete too, playing softball and basketball!

Many country stars are still big college football fans too.  It's no surprise that Garth Brooks is still a die-hard Oklahoma State fan.  And with Kenny Chesney, it's no secret that he's a Tennessee Volunteers fan (and we're sure he's still on cloud 9 from that win over Alabama)!

As for Dustin Lynch, he's a Florida Gators fan, with his dad playing for the Gators back in the 70s. Tim McGraw is a huge LSU fan.  And we all know where Darius Rucker's loyalty lies- with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

No matter what team they cheer for, or you cheer for, we can all bond over our love of the game! And even though some of their careers ended due to injury, we are glad that the obstacles led these guys on to become country stars!

Here are the Five Country Stars Who Were Also College Football Stars:

Sam Hunt

Although he was born in Georgia, Sam Hunt started college at Middle Tennessee State.  He then went on to transfer to the University of Alabama in 2006.  He played quarterback at UAB in 2006 and 2007.

Chase Rice

While he was born in Florida, Chase Rice's family would eventually move to Asheville, North Carolina.  He had dreams of playing football for the University of North Carolina, and those dreams became a reality.  He was a linebacker for UNC, but an injury would deem him unable to pursue an NFL career.

Lee Brice

Lee Brice was a walk-on at Clemson University, and eventually earned a scholarship to play as a lineman. At 6 foot 3, and 270 pounds, he definitely fit the part.  Unfortunately, an injury to his right arm shattered Lee Brice's dreams of taking his football career any further.

Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins attended Louisiana Tech University, and was a walk-on offensive lineman for the Bulldogs.  But his dream of college football was short lived, when a knee injury took him out after his freshman season.

Riley Green

Riley Green played for the Jacksonville State University Gamecocks. He was a walk-on at the university, and was the starting quarterback from 2007 to 2009. Green was part of the team when they pulled off the huge upset against Florida State.

CodyEditor
“Cody” Blaine Jackson is one half of the Kicks Wake Up Krew on Kicks 99. Her passions include fitness and anything to do with animals, as she has two fur babies, her dogs, Harley and Waylon. Cody likes to write about pets, fitness, and Augusta local events.