Country music has gone international, and few artists have exemplified the rise quite as meteoric as Josh Ross over the past two years. Both 2024 and 2025 marked career-defining chapters for the Canadian singer-songwriter and former college football defensive back, whose most recent No. 1 song, “Single Again,” has helped catapult the 6’, 185 pound ex-athlete as catapulted the singer to headliner status. Opening night for the now-Nashville resident’s Later Tonight tour—Feb. 6 in his home country (Moncton, New Brunswick)—is already sold out and tickets are going fast for the remainder of his schedule. Not a bad way to start 2026.
“This year has been a great year for me, even last year. I mean, the last few years have been really good, like that. I’ve definitely known I’m on the right track,” Ross shared, reflecting on his recent achievements.
And to think that Ross’ country music journey may not have happened if not for a series of leg injuries that forced the fast DB to not only for long periods, but to rethink his career path. “While I was injured, I picked up a guitar. I went on YouTube to learn how to play chords and figure things out, and then a little bit piano, and that’s kind of how it all started,” Ross recalled.
Ross’s football mindset is just one of many top takeaways from his appearance on the Country Muscle Podcast, and still remains the driving force behind the creation of his chart-topping tracks and successful schedule. “I just know that this is definitely my purpose, the thing I’m supposed to do,” he says.
You can check out all of the Josh Ross interview—as well as every other episode of the Country Muscle Podcast—on the Country Muscle YouTube Channel.
5 Takeaways from the Josh Ross ‘CMP’ Appearance
1. The Football Mindset Never Leaves: Josh Ross rose to success on the field as a hard-hitting defensive back. His relentless, competitive mentality still drives his approach to everything—especially music and fitness. “With music, just like football, you knock down what’s in front of you and keep running forward
2. His Combine-like Numbers Still Impress: Ross blended speed and strength as a college player, showing true athleticism in the gym and on the field. His numbers remain a point of pride years later. “I was clocked at 4.47 in the 40 while in the weightroom, I benched 225 for 12 reps, with a power clean PR of 285 pounds.
3. How Injury Changed His Course: Multiple ligament tears and tough rehab led Ross to leave football. Despite the frustration, this setback helped open the door to his music career. The rehab stint solidified his decision to pursue music full time. “It’s a long process—four to eight months—and it was really frustrating to come back, only to have the same thing happen again on my second day back on the field.”
4. Discipline Built on the Gridiron: The same work ethic that pushed Ross as an athlete now fuels his rise in music. He credits his sports background for teaching him to grind for what he wants. “Football taught me that if you want something, you’ve got to grind.”
5. The Band That Trains Together, Rocks Together: When Ross and the band are on tour, fitness oftentimes becomes a group effort and bonding moment prior to bench press day. Ross and his bandmates will hit up local gyms and good as much of a workout as possible before music duties take over the day. “We try to find a local gym [in the morning]. We’ll get back by one or two, make sound check by 3 p.m. If we have time, we may get a run in.”