J.B. Mauney: Bull Riding Legend's Journey - From Arena To Retirement

What happens when a legend hangs up their spurs? For J.B. Mauney, the greatest bull rider of all time, retirement isn't just a cessation of a career; it's a chapter filled with reflection, resilience, and a profound connection to the sport that defined him.

In Lewiston, Idaho, the news echoed through the rodeo world on Tuesday, September 12, 2023: J.B. Mauney, the icon of bull riding, was retiring. The announcement came a week after a devastating injury sustained at the Lewiston Roundup. A broken neck, the result of a ride gone wrong aboard Arctic Assassin, brought a definitive end to a career that had previously seemed invincible. This wasn't the ending Mauney had envisioned, yet the cowboy spirit, unwavering and resolute, shines through in his words.

Mauney's journey, from the arenas of his early competitions to the pinnacle of the sport, is a testament to his grit and extraordinary talent. He started competing in rodeo competitions as early as 2006, traveling all over the country. His love for rodeo started young, he started riding sheep when he was just 3 years old and was mentored by 1995 world champion bull rider Jermone Davis. The roar of the crowd, the adrenaline rush, and the battle of wills between man and beast all of it has now become history.

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The professional bull rider (PBR)'s most popular cowboy. James Burton J.B. Mauney is an iconic example of the resilience and guts it takes to be a cowboy. His accomplishments in the arena are undeniable: two PBR World Championships (2013 and 2015), a reputation for tackling the rankest bulls, and a record-breaking career in terms of earnings. He earned money from various sponsorship and endorsement deals. For instance, in 2013, Monster Energy became the official league partner of professional bull rider, sponsoring him and other riders, and in 2015, he became a Yeti brand ambassador when their program was initially launched. However, beyond the statistics, there was an aura to Mauney that drew people in. He wasn't just a bull rider; he was a showman. He has been forced to retire due to an injury. He embodies the spirit of the sport.

The injury, a broken neck sustained during a ride at the Lewiston Roundup, was a cruel twist of fate. The accident took place at an xtreme bulls event sept. It was not the way he wanted to go. The news of his injury sent shockwaves through the rodeo community. The details are a testament to the inherent dangers of the sport. A year ago, superstar bull rider J.B. Mauney crawled on the back of Arctic Assassin at the lewiston roundup and waited for the gate to open. In the blink of an eye, the texas cowboy somersaulted, ending his career. The immediate aftermath was a blur of medical attention. Mauney was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, where he underwent surgery to address the injury. Though he was listed in good condition, the gravity of the situation was undeniable. The roundup director, Bill Jenkins, informed that for determining the next steps in the cowboys medical treatment, he was scheduled for an MRI on the afternoon of September 7th.

Yet, even facing such adversity, Mauney's spirit remains unbroken. He has thanked his fans, family, and the medical staff for their support. The toughness that defined him in the arena is equally evident in his approach to retirement. He understands that retirement is tough for any athlete. He's not afraid to confront the reality of a life outside the arena. In the blink of an eye, the Texas cowboy somersaulted. Mauney's first flirtation with death at a bull riding happened when he was 18, stomped in Raleigh, N.C. He has an in-depth knowledge about arena glory days and his decision to call it. Mauney's career has been punctuated by moments of both triumph and danger. It all began when he was just 3 years old. Assuming he had broken ribs, mauney shunned the medics advice to get into the arena.

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One such instance occurred when Mauney, then a young and aspiring bull rider, found himself in a precarious position, battling to stay mounted on a formidable bull. The bull was a behemoth, and Mauney fought valiantly, absorbing every punishing blow. But in a split second, the bull erupted, contorting and bucking with violent force. Mauney was thrown, and he found himself in the perilous position of being stomped in the dirt. The arena turned into a sea of chaos. He found himself in a world of pain. Despite the severity of his injuries, Mauney, refusing to submit, summoned all his strength to crawl away from the danger zone. It was a testament to his unyielding will. The incident became a defining moment, a vivid portrayal of his fearless commitment to the sport.

His resilience, his sheer determination to come back from adversity, is what defines him. The world of bull riding witnessed the peak of J.B.s career. In 2020, Mauney qualified for his last PBR world finals, and it was a close call. He took Shownuff to 8 seconds for 89.75 points in Round 3 at the 2020 PBR World Finals to advance to Championship Sunday. Despite the risks and the injuries, the passion for the sport never waned. This passion, combined with an innate skill, led him to extraordinary heights. He announced his retirement Tuesday, September 12, 2023, a week after breaking his neck in the Lewiston Roundup.

The future is full of exciting plans for J.B. Mauney. He takes the reins as head coach of PBR teams' newest contender. With the iconic Brandon Bates at the helm as general manager, the team promises to ignite the global bull riding stage. His experience, leadership, and deep understanding of the sport will no doubt guide his team towards success. Additionally, Mauney headlines the 2025 class of heroes & legends inductees to be honored July 10 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. A new J.B. Mauney film is in the works, promising to dive deep into the mindset, grit, and legacy of one of the greatest bull riders of all time. This is a name that probably needs no introduction in the rodeo field.

In retirement, Mauney finds himself in a different kind of arena, one where he can reflect on his achievements and consider new possibilities. He's now standing in a pasture at the XV Ranch, the sprawling property he owns near Stephenville, about 90 minutes southwest of Fort Worth. The old bull, Arctic Assassin, now roams in his front pasture, a constant reminder of the ride that changed everything. He can be seen in a viral clip on YouTube showing love to the bull that broke his neck and ended his career. "Bucktown" is setting the standard for how bull riding is celebrated and consumed. By combining elite athletes, production, and storytelling that resonates, we honor the cowboy.

The hefty black bull was always going to hold a place in rodeo history. He was, after all, the last bull the great J.B. Mauney ever rode, and it was a ride that didn't last long. Mauney's legacy is secure. From the dusty arenas of his early days to the grand stages of the PBR World Finals, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. More than just a champion, Mauney has been a symbol of the cowboy spirit: fearless, resilient, and forever etched in the annals of rodeo history.