Professional bull riding has grown tremendously in the last 10 years. My dream is to one day turn on ESPN Sports Center to see the highlights of 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 skewed on this issue due to the fact that I am immersed in this incredible sport.

I rode bulls myself for 15 years and have been in retirement for 11 years. I have been an agent for Professional Bull Riders for the past 10 years in conjunction with breeding 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.

So let’s go back to my dream, riding professional bulls at ESPN’s sports center. I love sports hall! That may be part of my dream reasoning, but it actually leans more towards my love of the sport of professional riding. I have been a Professional Bull Rider, currently I am an agent for Professional Bull Riders and I breed 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 the bull athletes. Yes, the earnings are much better than 26 years ago and the endorsements back then were practically non-existent, but I think these figures must be more. I think it is a key factor in making the dream of the Sports Center come true. Sports Center reports on sports that are mainstream and involve athletes raising millions. Obviously professional Bull Riding is lacking in both categories.

I truly believe that the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR) is doing everything possible to take this dangerous sport to the next level. Most of the people in this country grow up playing baseball, football, and basketball so they can connect with those sports as fans. That has another key factor for the overall growth of professional riding. Connection! The television broadcast of the PBR Built Ford Tough series is helping with that, but I think there is a need to focus more on introducing the sport to America’s youth. I don’t have all the answers on how it should be done, but I think some kind of plan should be put in place. Maybe 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 to be debated. Who knows, I might end up on a committee on this issue.

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