Jelly Roll Reveals He Nearly Appeared on ‘The Rookie’ but Got Sick

Jelly Roll says he came close to appearing on the hit TV series The Rookie but had to miss the opportunity after getting sick.

During Wednesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Jelly Roll, who is serving as guest host, spoke with The Rookie star Nathan Fillion. Fillion asked about reports that the country singer had once been offered a role on the show.

“I was so close,” Jelly Roll said. “They even wrote me a part and I blew it. I got sick after.” He added that the role meant a lot to him and joked that he would ask Fillion for another chance.

Fillion, who plays police officer John Nolan on The Rookie, joked that he knew someone who could help. When asked whether Jelly Roll had any experience with police, the singer said he had and joked that he could play someone on the other side of the law.

Jelly Roll has said that he watches The Rookie and enjoys older police dramas. He previously appeared in CBS’ Fire Country in 2025, playing a rehabilitated former inmate and healthcare worker. He also appeared as a fictionalized version of himself on Tulsa King.

For now, Jelly Roll is continuing his guest-hosting duties on Jimmy Kimmel Live! while Jimmy Kimmel is on his summer break. The show airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.