From the Grid to the Stage: Josh Ross’s Transformation from Football to Country Music Star

Introduction

What happens when the playing field turns into a stage? Just ask Josh Ross, who’s seamlessly transitioned from a hard-hitting college football defensive back to one of country music’s latest heartbreak balladeers. It’s a remarkable story of resilience and reinvention. After injuries forced him to hang up his cleats, Ross picked up a guitar, and now he’s making waves in the music industry with nearly three million monthly listeners on Spotify.

As Josh gears up for his upcoming tour and continues to rack up accolades, it’s evident that his journey is as inspiring as it is entertaining.

A Year of Celebrations and Milestones

Last year was monumental for Josh Ross. After releasing his debut album, Later Tonight, he hit No. 1 on U.S. country radio with the single “Single Again.” His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed; he also nabbed multiple Canadian Country Music Award (CCMA) nominations, including Entertainer of the Year. Not too shabby for someone who initially didn’t see music as a full-time career!

“I would sing at parties or karaoke, but I didn’t take it seriously at first,” Ross admitted. “It wasn’t the cool thing. Sports were.”

Now, Ross not only has a chart-topping sound; he’s also opened for renowned acts like Jelly Roll and will soon headline his own tour. Before that, he’s set to perform at Luke Bryan’s annual “Crash My Playa” event in Mexico. As more fans join him, the singer’s journey becomes more remarkable, solidifying his spot as one of Country Radio Seminar’s 2026 New Faces of Country Music.

The Athlete’s Drive Translated into Music

Despite switching sports, Ross hasn’t lost that competitive edge. The relentless work ethic he developed as a football player now fuels his music career. “With music, just like football, you knock down what’s in front of you and keep running forward,” he shares.

But that intensity comes with trade-offs. An avid BMX fan, he’s taken a step back for the safety of his burgeoning career. “I have two bikes, but I don’t ride one—it wouldn’t be good,” he said with a resigned tone.

From Hitting Receivers to Hitting High Notes

As a defensive back, Ross was known for his speed and strength. At 6’ and 185 pounds, he recorded an impressive 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He boasted some serious weightlifting benchmarks too, including benching 225 pounds for 12 reps. Knowing those athletic achievements is part of him, Ross reflects on the changes required for his new profession.

“I woke up one morning after a workout and thought, I have not been this sore in my shoulders in so long.” The switch from explosive movement workouts to a more traditional bodypart-split routine keeps him conditioned for life on stage.

“I just do back and biceps, shoulders and chest, and a leg day—those kinds of splits,” he says. “Plus I’ll mix in a little core work and maybe cardio.” With a packed schedule, balancing music and fitness is key.

Road Life: Keeping Fit and Focused

Touring more than 100 days a year requires a unique type of endurance. “The best way to train for singing is to sprint and then stop and sing a verse, then sprint again and sing a verse,” he suggests. That kind of interval training mirrors the high-energy life of a touring musician.

Though he’s left behind the football field, he still finds time for physical activity away from concerts. “If I have an hour to kill, I’ll go try out fishing,” Ross shared. There’s a refreshing normalcy in catching a few fish when you’re caught up in the whirlwind of concert prep. He also enjoys the occasional round of golf, though he admits, “I wish I could say I was good at golf.”

Maintaining fitness on the road is no small feat. It takes discipline and teamwork. Ross schedules workouts with his band, focusing on body-part-specific training whenever possible. “We try to find a local gym, get back by one or two, then it’s sound check around three,” he explains.

Nutrition plays a vital role too. Ross emphasizes the importance of eating healthily while touring. He opts for protein-rich meals and keeps pre-made options on the bus to resist late-night fast food temptations. “If the guys stop for McDonald’s at 2 a.m., I’ll pull out one of those meals instead,” he laughs.

Transforming Injury into Opportunity

Ross’s journey hasn’t been simple. Back-to-back ligament tears in his right ankle led to multiple surgeries and painful rehabilitation. “It was really frustrating to come back, only to have the same thing happen again on my second day back,” he shares. That struggle forced him to reassess his priorities and ultimately ignited his passion for music.

“Football taught me that if you want something, you’ve got to grind,” he reflects. Instead of wallowing in missed opportunities, Ross picked up a guitar and turned to songwriting. His initial attempts, like his college song “Cheap Red Wine,” were met with a healthy dose of humility.

“I probably thought it was the best song ever,” he laughs. “Then you get humbled very quickly.” But that didn’t deter him. By 2019, he packed his bags for Nashville, ready to give his new passion a genuine shot.

Finding Success Through Relationships

Teamwork remains essential, even in the world of music. Collaborating with fellow songwriters led to his first breakthrough hit, “First Taste of Gone.” His ascent culminated in last year’s hit “Single Again,” setting the stage for his upcoming Later Tonight tour, starting February 6 in New Brunswick, Canada.

“I definitely feel like I’m on the right track,” he says. “Between special venues, awards, and my first number one at U.S. country radio, there have been a lot of wins, and I’m grateful for all of them.”

Conclusion: Why This Story Matters

Josh Ross’s evolution from college athlete to country music sensation is more than just a tale of personal success—it’s a testament to resilience and reinvention. Injuries may have derailed his football career, but they led him to his true passion. Now, he’s channeling the same drive that made him a fierce competitor on the field into his music career.

What can we learn from Ross’s journey? Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, but often those challenges can be catalysts for incredible transformation. Whether it’s through a change in career, exploring new hobbies, or simply finding new passions, we all have the potential to turn setbacks into opportunities. In the end, it’s not just about the accolades or number-one hits—it’s about following a path that resonates with who we are.

So, next time you face an obstacle, ask yourself: is there a hidden opportunity waiting on the other side? For Josh Ross, the answer has turned out to be a resounding yes.