Professional bull riding has grown tremendously in the last 10 years. My dream is to one day turn on ESPN Sports Center to watch highlights from the latest PBR Built Ford Tough Series event. The idea of ​​that 15 years ago would have been crazy. Today I think I can see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, but my opinions may be a bit biased on this subject due to the fact that I am immersed in this amazing sport.

I myself rode bulls for 15 years and have been retired for 11. I have been an agent for Professional Bull Riders for the last 10 years in addition to breeding fighting bulls. So, as you can see, the sport of bull riding has been a part of my life for the last 26 years. I have seen the sport from many different angles.

Let’s go back to my dream, Professional Bull Riding at the ESPN Sports Center. I love the sports hall! That may be part of the reasoning for my dream, but it actually leans more towards my love of the sport of professional bull riding. I have been a professional bull rider, am currently an agent for professional bull riders and raised Bucking bulls. I know the sport inside and out! I have seen the growth of this sport first hand. I am excited about the growth, but not satisfied. Due to my unique position, I know all about the sponsorship figures of these athletes along with the earnings of bull athletes. Yes, profits are much better than 26 years ago and sponsorships back then were practically non-existent, but I think these numbers need to be higher. I believe that this is a key factor in making the dream of the Sports Center come true. Sports Center reports on the most popular sports involving athletes earning millions. Obviously, professional bull riding lacks both categories.

I truly believe that the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR) is doing everything they can to take this dangerous sport to the next level. Most people in this country grow up playing baseball, soccer, and basketball so they can connect with those sports as fans. That’s another key factor in the widespread growth of professional bull riding. Connection! The PBR Built Ford Tough Series telecast is helping with that, but I think there needs to be more focus on introducing the sport to America’s youth. I don’t have all the answers on how that should be done, but I do think some sort of plan should be put in place. Perhaps the PBR should dedicate a division for youth outreach. Like I said, I don’t have all the answers, but I hope this is an area that gets discussed. Who knows, maybe I’ll end up in a committee for this topic.

Until then the dream will live on! Next in Sports Center… da na na da na na!