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NASHVILLE, TN (June 15, 2011) – In his five seasons with the Tennessee Titans, fans of veteran quarterback Kerry Collins are most familiar with seeing him in the end zone.  However, they might be surprised to see him in a location that most would consider an unlikely place to spot an NFL player.  In his spare time, Collins has another passion – songwriting.  Over the past several years, he has written songs with some of Nashville’s most talented songwriters in the industry, but has never made a public appearance to display his musical talents. 

However, that all changed last week during CMA Fest, country music’s biggest event of the year.  Kerry decided to end his streak with a surprise appearance at Puckett’s during the 6th Annual Trent Willmon Ropin’ Party, and took the stage for the first time ever, performing a song that he and Willmon wrote together. 

“He did a fantastic job and surprised the entire crowd,” said Puckett’s owner Andy Marshall.  “Puckett’s is honored to be the place Kerry chose for his stage debut.  An NFL quarterback who writes songs…only in Nashville!”

Willmon, who has penned songs for renowned singers Brad Paisley, Eric Church, and Montgomery Gentry, says Collins is a natural. “Kerry is a great writer. I’ve written two of my favorite songs with him,” he said.  “He has an authentic way with words and rhyme schemes. And even more surprising is what a humble, laid back and positive person he is to be around.” 

For more information, visit www.puckettsgrocery.com

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Founded by the Puckett family in the 1950s, Puckett's has served as a country store to several communities in Williamson County. Andy Marshall bought the Leiper's Fork Puckett's Grocery in 1998. In 2002, Puckett's branched out to start a formal dinner and music program. With all of the talented writers in and around town, the Friday night writers' show grew fast with people coming from all over to hear some of the finest the industry had to offer. Shortly after, the Marshall's expanded to Historic Downtown Franklin. Rob Robinson and his family now own the Leiper's Fork location, while the Marshall family opened the first downtown Nashville location in November 2010.