Through an uncanny work ethic, the singer, who first hit the charts in 2000 with the hit “Something to Write Home About,” has trained himself to remain unshaken in most situations. But for Morgan, who co*peted on the survival-themed reality show Beyond the Edge in 2022, the only time he battles nerves is when he sings the national anthem in uniform in front of his fellow service members.
“I do not want to let down my military, my Army, my fellow soldiers,” says Morgan, who now currently serves as a warrant officer with the Army Reserve bands at Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal. “I take great pride in that song, what it stands for, and what it means. So I’m always a nervous wreck when I perform it. I don’t want to be the guy on YouTube that everyone is talking about.”
Morgan credits his toughness not only to the military but also to the time he spends in Alaska, where he and his son operate Craig Morgan’s Alaskan Off-Grid Experience around Trapper Lake, located about 120 miles north of Anchorage. This remote location, nine miles from the nearest road, is the perfect stage for Morgan to hone his mindset. No gym is needed for a workout; self-reliance is his ultimate exercise. Chopping trees for firewood and clearing paths for snowmobiles are part of his daily routine.
“It’s about self-reliance, knowing that I can take care of myself, my family, and my friends. I love educating people on that,” he explains. “Mentally, as I mentioned with the military, they teach you to push yourself beyond limitations. When you do, you create a new limit.”
However, self-reliance co*es with its share of wounds—some of which are stitched up. Morgan has accumulated battle scars, including broken hands, knees, fractured tibias, torn rotator cuffs, and metal plates inserted into his body. While some might call him a masochist, he believes pain brings strength. “You must be willing to accept pain, or you will never get beyond your current level. It’s just that simple.”
When things go wrong, Morgan reacts quickly. Such as that time when his machete ricocheted off a limb from a tree he was cutting down, causing a massive gash. Morgan calmly put in a few threads even as the pain was a little unco*fortable.
“it wasn’t pleasant—I had tears in my eyes,” he admits. “I put in three stitches. The doctor said it could have used more, but it would be OK.”