Morgan Wallen is nominated for seven awards, including Entertainer of the Year. So, where was he when the 2025 ACM Awards kicked off in Frisco, Texas?
Not in the building. Not backstage. Not even in the state.
He was golfing with Tom Brady.
As the red carpet rolled out and country’s biggest names packed the Ford Center at The Star, Morgan was out on a golf course, tossing a football around with the GOAT himself. He dropped the moment casually on Instagram Stories, posting a photo of himself and Brady mid-throw with the caption “Had a little mustard on it.”
So yeah. That’s where he was. And honestly, no one’s even surprised anymore.
Wallen, who was up for seven ACM Awards this year—including Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Event of the Year—has developed a bit of a pattern when it comes to award shows. He doesn’t show up. That’s not a diss. That’s just what’s been happening.
In February, he skipped the 2025 Grammy Awards, where he was a first-time nominee. In November, he bailed on the 2024 CMA Awards—even though he won Entertainer of the Year. Jeff Bridges had to accept the award on his behalf, and fans had no clue why Morgan didn’t attend.
This time, no official reason was given. But actions speak louder than publicist statements, and a photo of Morgan Wallen hanging with Tom Brady while the ACMs are airing pretty much says it all.
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Some will see it as a snub, while others will call it a power move. Either way, Wallen will do things on his own terms.
And to be fair, the guy’s not exactly sitting around. He’s been gearing up for his next chapter, with a new album, I’m the Problem, dropping May 16 and a stadium tour launching a month later on June 20 in Houston. The record features a stacked lineup that includes Post Malone, Eric Church, HARDY, ERNEST, Tate McRae, and more. The lead single with Malone, “I Ain’t Coming Back,” dropped last month and has been climbing the charts fast.
So no, Morgan didn’t pull up to Frisco in boots and a bolo. He didn’t walk on the carpet. He didn’t perform. He didn’t wave from his seat while Reba cracked jokes from the stage.
Instead, he traded the spotlight for a football, a fairway, and a day with Tom Brady.
And in some strange way, it fits. Wallen’s not trying to win the room. He’s trying to win fans. The man’s selling out stadiums, breaking records, and headlining tours that most artists would kill to open. Whether or not he takes home a trophy doesn’t seem to change that.
Would fans have loved to see him on stage? Sure. But knowing Morgan Wallen, he’ll let the songs do the talking. And with I’m the Problem about to drop, we won’t have to wait long to hear what he’s really got to say.
Besides, it’s not every day you get to toss a football with Tom Brady. The ACMs will be back next year.
