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Steve Silver / Las Vegas Sun
Two-time Professional Bull Riders’ world champion, Justin McBride, announces his retirement at the Silverton Casino Lodge on Tuesday. McBride, a former UNLV rodeo star, became the first professional bull rider to surpass the $5 million mark in career earnings this year.
Justin McBride, the all-time winningest bull rider on the Professional Bull Riders' tour, announces his retirement at a press conference in the Silverton Casino Lodge on Tuesday.
Two-time Professional Bull Riders' world champion Justin McBride announced his retirement Tuesday at a press conference in the Silverton Casino Lodge.
McBride, who attended UNLV on a rodeo scholarship, will compete in next week's PBR World Finals before closing a legendary career.
The 29-year-old Elk City, Okla. native holds the PBR record for most career wins with 32. McBride also became the first professional bull rider to gross more than $5 million in career earnings.
"I have done what I wanted to do - win a world title," McBride said. "Now I am in a position to go out while I'm healthy and still riding well. I mean you can get hurt crossing the street, but there are more risks involved with bull riding. Now that I have a family and a child to think about, I want to be able to retire and enjoy my life with them and not be a crippled bull rider."
After McBride attempts to defend his 2007 World Title in next week's competition, he plans to continue working on his ranch in Oklahoma as well as pursue broadcasting and country music career avenues.
McBride enrolled at UNLV in 1996 and he started riding professionally in 1998 while still majoring in communications.
"Let's just say college was a lot of fun," McBride said.
He earned about $89,000 in his first year on the PBR tour. Last season he amassed more than $1.7 million in prize money.
Wow, what can I say, but that I am going to miss watching Justin McBride compete. I have been watching this man, for over 10 years, eversince he first stepped foot into this sport of Professional Bullriding, and I have followed his progress for the whole 10 years, and I have to say, that from begining to end, he has matured so much, He's won 2 titles, and he's the richest man of the PBR, for crying out loud, and it has been such a blessing and an honor to be able to follow him in his illustrious career, and what a career it has been. It's not quite over yet, until the end of the Finals, but I know when Justin rides his final bull, I know he will think of one thing, and that he's going out a true champion. Justin McBride is a true Champion, heart, body, and soul. He loves this sport, and all of the PBR fans, including myself of course, will miss him so much, and we all love him forever too, we want to thank him, from the bottom of our hearts and our souls, for 10 wonderful and great years of service to the Professional Bullriders. Justin, You are such an asset to the company, and to all of your family and especially all your friends as well, plus once again your loving and supporting fans. We all love you, and we will always remember your grace, your spirit, your wisdom, and everything about you. You will always be in our hearts forever. Best of luck to you, in your retirement and we are all happy and we are especially proud of you. You will always be # 1 to us forever!!!!!
God Bless you Justin Travis McBride, and never forget how much you will be sorely missed.
Blair Wilson