Chase Rice: From Survivor Runner-Up To Country Star—And His Shocking Career Break In 2026
Chase Rice's journey from a controversial reality TV contestant to a chart-topping country music artist is one of the most compelling career pivots in modern entertainment. As of late 2025, the singer-songwriter is not only riding a wave of success from his latest music releases but is also making headlines with a shocking announcement about his future, signaling a major shift after more than a decade on the road.
The former *Survivor: Nicaragua* runner-up has successfully leveraged his initial television fame into a robust, multi-platinum career in Nashville, proving that his ambition extends far beyond the final Tribal Council. With new music on the horizon and a highly anticipated break from touring in 2026, fans are eager to understand the full scope of the artist’s life and the unexpected path he is forging.
The Complete Biography and Profile of Chase Rice
Before becoming a country music sensation, Chase Rice was a promising athlete and a reality TV personality. His life has been defined by big risks and dramatic shifts, from the football field to a deserted island, and finally, to the main stage.
- Full Name: Christopher Chase Rice
- Born: September 19, 1985
- Age (as of December 2025): 40
- Birthplace: Ormond Beach, Florida
- Hometown/Raised In: Fairview, North Carolina
- Education: A.C. Reynolds High School; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
- Pre-Music Career: College Football Linebacker (UNC), NASCAR Pit Crew/Pro Racecar Jackman
- Reality TV Debut: *Survivor: Nicaragua* (Season 21, 2010)
- Reality TV Result: Runner-Up (2nd Place)
- Notable Music Works: "Eyes on You," "Gonna Wanna Tonight," "Ready Set Roll"
- Latest Album/Release: New album planned for 2024; Latest single "Fireside" (May 2024)
The Survivalist Who Almost Won: Chase Rice on *Survivor: Nicaragua*
Many fans of country music are unaware that Chase Rice first gained national attention as a contestant on the 21st season of the CBS reality show, *Survivor: Nicaragua*, which aired in 2010. At the time, Rice was a 24-year-old Pro Racecar Jackman from North Carolina, ready to tackle the physical and mental challenges of the game.
The season divided contestants into two tribes based on age: La Flor (the younger tribe) and Espada (the older tribe). Rice began the game as a member of the younger La Flor tribe.
Rice quickly became a central figure in the season’s strategic maneuvering. He was known for his athletic prowess and his ability to form—and notoriously betray—alliances. His game was characterized by a willingness to flip and a strategic focus on eliminating threats.
Despite his controversial moves, he managed to navigate the complex social dynamics all the way to the Final Tribal Council. There, he faced off against two other finalists: Jud "Fabio" Birza and Sash Lenahan. The final jury vote was incredibly close, with Rice ultimately losing the $1 million prize to Birza in a 5-4-0 vote.
His experience on the show was brutal. Rice has since recalled the extreme conditions, including eating only six meals over the entire 39 days he spent on the island. This grueling experience, however, served as a powerful catalyst for his future career, pushing him to pursue his passion for music with renewed vigor.
From Island to Arena: The Rise of a Country Music Powerhouse
Chase Rice didn't waste any time transitioning from reality TV to the music industry. His time on *Survivor* gave him a platform, but his talent as a songwriter and performer is what sustained his career. He initially released music independently, but his breakthrough came when he co-wrote the massive 2012 hit "Cruise" for Florida Georgia Line, which became one of the best-selling country songs of all time.
His own career exploded with the release of the EP *Ready Set Roll* in 2013, followed by his major-label debut, *Ignite the Night*, in 2014. The album featured the platinum-selling single "Gonna Wanna Tonight." Over the next few years, Rice solidified his status as a high-energy performer and a distinctive voice in country music.
His 2017 album, *Lambs & Lions*, delivered his first number-one hit, "Eyes on You," a massive commercial success that cemented his place among country music's elite.
The Latest Music and The Go Down Singin' Tour
In 2024 and 2025, Rice has maintained a relentless pace. He has been actively promoting his latest work, including the single "Fireside," which dropped in May 2024 and quickly gained traction. This single is a preview of a new album that Rice has been plotting for release in the summer of 2024.
He has spent much of this period on the road with his "Go Down Singin' International Tour," performing for fans across the globe. This tour is a testament to his enduring popularity and his reputation as a rugged, authentic performer whose lyrics often reflect his own adventurous and unique life story.
The Shocking 2026 Career Break and Return to Football?
In a move that has stunned the country music community, Chase Rice announced a major career decision in late 2025: he will be taking his first year off from touring in 13 years. This break is scheduled for 2026, allowing him to step away from the relentless cycle of performing and recording.
The reason for the break is perhaps the most fascinating twist in his career yet. Rice has openly discussed embracing a more minimalistic, solitary lifestyle, seeking purpose beyond the spotlight. More dramatically, he has playfully—but seriously—floated the idea of returning to his athletic roots.
Rice, who played linebacker for the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels before his career was cut short by injury, has indicated he is considering applying for a sixth year of college football eligibility.
“Taking next year off from touring for the first time in 13 years,” he wrote, adding that he’s “Gonna go back and apply and train for my 6th year in college football.” While the logistics of a 40-year-old returning to Division I football are complex, the declaration highlights his desire for new challenges and a stark departure from the music grind.
Whether this is a genuine career pivot or a symbolic pursuit of a long-lost dream, the announcement has solidified Chase Rice’s reputation as an artist who refuses to be confined to a single box. His journey from a *Survivor* contestant who almost won, to a country star who conquered the charts, and now to a man exploring a return to the gridiron, continues to be one of the most unpredictable and compelling stories in entertainment today.
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