When the Game Stands Tall is a new movie based on the real life triumph of the De La Salle high school football team.

It follows the efforts of coach Bob Ladouceur, who inspired the down-and-out team to turn themselves around and set the stage for a story that won't soon be forgotten in the world of sports -- and beyond.

Since singer Chase Rice is a former linebacker for the University of North Carolina Tarheels, he knows all about what it means to believe in yourself and your teammates. And how far hard work can get you.

CMT asked the "Ready Set Roll" singer to talk about what football has meant to him, and what he had to say may surprise you.

"Football's been, believe it or not, probably the biggest thing that I've been able to grab experience from (and apply it to) music," he said. "The warrior side of it. Because if you don't have that warrior mindset in music -- that you want to be the best and you're going to work for it -- you're not going to be the best.

"I always had the mindset of 'head down, eyes up, keep going,'" he continued. "And I do that with music now."

When the Game Stands Tall will arrive in theaters Aug. 22 with advanced shows in select locations beginning Thursday, Aug. 21. Join the conversation on Twitter and tell us how you #StandTall.