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Lee Brice Tells Story Behind What Motivated Him to Play Football fo Clemson

 Many people know Lee Brice as a hit-making country singer and songwriter. His accomplishments in the music business are many. He has taken home awards and launched seven singles to the top of Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart. Additionally, co-penned Garth Brooks’ 2007 chart-topper, “More Than a Memory.” That track holds the designation of being the only single to ever debut at the top of the charts. In short, Brice has left his mark on country music and continues to do so.

However, some may not know that Lee Brice played football for Clemson University. According to an ESPN report, he walked on to the Clemson football team and eventually earned a scholarship for his skills on the field. He played as a lineman for the Tigers until an injury ended his football career. But, Brice was told that he didn’t have what it took to play for Clemson before he tried out. That, and a few other things fueled the passion that put him on the field.

Lee Brice recently appeared on The Marty Smith Podcast and told Marty all about the passion that let him achieve both of his dreams.

How Passion Put Lee Brice on the Clemson Football Team

Several colleges offered Lee Brice full-ride scholarships to play football. However, he wanted to play at Clemson. As a South Carolina native, Brice always wanted to be a Tiger. He told Marty Smith about how he ended up on the team.

He had passion, but others had doubts. His high school football coach told him that he needed to take one of the offers that were already on the table. In that coach’s eyes, Clemson was out of the question for Lee Brice. He told the future Tiger, “You can’t play for Clemson. You’re not fast enough to be a linebacker and you’re not big enough to be a lineman.”

That coach lit a fire under Lee Brice and he turned those doubts into fuel. “As soon as he said, ‘You can’t play for Clemson,’ I was like, ‘Well, that’s where I’m going. Period.’” He added that the conversation was just one more reason why he had to try out.

However, Lee Brice’s desire to be a Tiger started early. His father could have played for the school. But, family obligations kept him off the field. Furthermore, Brice grew up in a family that loved Clemson football. Brice had been a Tiger his entire life. He just wanted to make it official.

Brice’s passion paid off in the end. “My goal was to start at Clemson. So, that’s what I did.”

After an elbow injury took him off the field for good, Lee Brice moved to Nashville to start his music career. The rest, as they say, is history.

For more about Lee Brice and other artists, watch the full video podcasts on Outsider’s Youtube or listen on Podbean or Apple Podcasts