Updated April 19, 2026, 8:17 p.m. ET
Riley Green wants to make it clear that when his “Marshals” TV character takes a swipe on the state of Alabama, that is pure appearing.
Green, 37, makes his appearing debut as the previous Navy SEAL Garrett in 4 episodes of the CBS “Yellowstone” spinoff, beginning Sunday, April 19 (8 p.m. ET/PT). Garrett reunites with former SEAL Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes), and throughout drinks, utters a ‘Bama slam referencing the I-20 interstate.
“The only good thing to come out of there,” Garrett says of Alabama, “is the I-20, myself included.”
“I certainly need to clarify that,” Green tells USA TODAY, talking from his 680-acre farm exterior Jacksonville, Alabama, his beloved residence state. “One thing about my fans, especially my Alabama fans: They know how I feel about being from here, and I am proud of this area where I’m from.”
But that is Hollywood, people. “I did think it was cool that my character was written as being from Alabama,” Green provides.
There’s a motive behind Garrett’s diss. The line immediately tells a narrative concerning the troubled veteran who arrives to Montana by bus, carrying little greater than a guitar case. The assertion alerts that Garrett is “rough, and that growing up where he did caused that,” Green says.
Riley Green’s ‘Marshals’ position got here from songwriting periods with Luke Grimes
The appearing debut of the “Ain’t My Last Rodeo” singer is a well-timed “Marshals” coup. The 6-foot-4 nation artist is a power who simply acquired 4 huge nominations for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, together with finest male artist and album of the yr for “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
With these piercing blue eyes, pure comedian timing, and rugged attraction, Green was certain to land someplace within the Taylor Sheridan-verse. Green pulled the “Marshals” gig from Nashville songwriting periods with Grimes for the budding nation singer’s album “Red Bird.”
“I mentioned I had some interest in acting,” says Green. “I didn’t know it would turn into a job so quickly. (Grimes) certainly threw me a bone getting me on this show.”
The “Marshals” backstory: Garrett fought in Afghanistan with Kayce and his U.S. Marshals boss, Pete Calvin (Logan Marshall-Green), who’s cautious about Garrett’s mysterious reappearance. Green’s first scene concerned an intense PTSD expertise, waking up with night time terrors in Kayce’s home.
“They threw it on me so fast I didn’t have to get nervous about it,” says Green. “I wanted this to be a real acting gig, and I was lucky. This character has a lot of range and there’s a lot of emotion. He’s a really kind of damaged guy.”
The rapport with Grimes and Garrett’s campfire singing second (within the Apr. 26 episode) got here naturally. Green had his song “My Way” in his again pocket.
“When I was told I was performing, and I didn’t know I was at first, I thought 100% this song was so perfect for that moment, ” says Green. “There are some songs that are very cowboy-type songs.”
The campfire tune scene showcases that Kayce Dutton continues to be lacking his late “Yellowstone” wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille), who died offscreen earlier than the transition to the CBS primetime collection.
“Obviously, Kayce’s wife is no longer with us,” says Green.
The tune is all about lacking a misplaced love. Kayce will get teared up, and it isn’t from the campfire smoke.
‘Marshals’ showcases Riley Green’s famed mustache
Besides the guitar, Green additionally introduced his trademark mustache to “Marshals.” The singer was shocked that producers did not ask him to alter a factor.
“I guess I look sort of Western with the mustache, the scruffy beard and I cut my own hair half the time when I’m on the road,” says Green. “It isn’t much of a stretch from me what Garrett looks and dresses like.”
The bonus for followers is that Green needed to preserve the ‘stache throughout two months of filming for continuity. His followers mourn on social media when the “Different ‘Round Here” singer spontaneously shaves.
“The tough part for me through these two months of filming was I couldn’t wake up and shave in the morning if I wanted to,” says Green. “I’m pretty bad. If it’s hot out, I just shave it off randomly.”
What occurs to Riley Green in ‘Marshals’?
Green will not say what occurs with Garrett on the finish of the 4 episodes, teasing that “there’s the possibility that he could be back.”
But there already is extra curiosity in Green appearing, together with a random name from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA).
“Somebody called me from the SAG office trying to give me a check for some show that I was on one time, and they wanted my Social Security number,” says Green. “I wouldn’t give it to them over the phone. They said, ‘We need to validate it’s you.’ I said, ‘Hell, you called me.’ “
Green believes his Corgi Blue Heeler combine Carl, a frequent star at his concert events, might eclipse his Hollywood profession if the canine did not love the Alabama farm a lot.
“I noticed pretty quick on the road that people in the meet-and-greet line are looking at my feet,” says Green. “They just want to see if Carl is there. He knows he’s famous. It’s just that he’s got it made down here on the farm.”
