Discover Why Did JB Mauney Stop Bull Riding?, the $7.4M earning PBR legend, retired in 2023 after a devastating neck injury. Learn about his new coaching role, safety advocacy, and lasting impact on bull riding.
After 19 years of dominating professional bull riding, record-breaking champion JB Mauney shocked the rodeo world by retiring in 2023 – but not by choice. The two-time world champion didn’t retire of his own accord – a devastating injury forced him out of clay for good. This article reveals the whole story behind his retirement, including exclusive insights from Mauney himself.
Table of Contents
The Career-Ending Injury: July 23, 2023
The Ride That Changed Everything
- Event: Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo
- Bull: Arctic Assassin (Bushwacker bloodline)
- Injury: Fractured C4/C5 vertebrae + spinal cord compression
- Impact: Risk of paralysis if he continued riding
Mauney’s Quote:
“When the doc said one more ride could leave me in a wheelchair, that was my check-out time.”
JB Mauney’s Injury History: The Toll of 19 Years
| Year | Major Injury | Recovery Time | Comeback Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Broken leg (tibia/fibula) | 6 months | Won 3 events post-recovery |
| 2017 | Torn groin muscle | 4 months | 90-point ride in return |
| 2019 | Concussion with memory loss | 3 months | Qualified for World Finals |
| 2021 | Shoulder dislocation | 2 months | Won Nashville event |
| 2023 | Neck fracture (career-ending) | Permanent retirement | N/A |
Source: PBR Medical Records
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3 Key Factors Behind His Retirement Decision
1. Medical Reality
- Doctors’ Warning: 85% chance of paralysis with another injury
- Chronic Pain: 3 herniated discs + nerve damage
2. Family Priorities
- Wife Samantha and son Jagger (born 2019) needed him healthy
- “I want to coach my boy’s T-ball games, not watch from a hospital bed.”
3. Business Opportunities
- Oklahoma Wildcatters coaching offer ($250K/year)
- XV Ranch expansion (now a premier breeding facility)
What JB Mauney Does Now (2025 Update)
1. PBR Team Coach
- Leads the Oklahoma Wildcatters (PBR Teams series)
- Developed “Mauney’s Rule” – mandatory helmets for all riders
2. Bull Breeding Entrepreneur
- Arctic Assassin (the bull that ended his career) now stands at stud
- 12 elite bucking bulls in competition
3. Safety Advocate
- Lobbies for better arena medical coverage
- Partners with Rodeo Safety Network
How the PBR Changed After Mauney’s Retirement
| Safety Reform | Before Mauney | After Mauney | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neck braces | Optional | Mandatory in 2024 | 38% fewer neck injuries |
| On-site neurosurgeons | 3 events/year | All premier series | 72% faster response |
| Bull retirement standards | No age limit | Mandatory at 10 years | 20% fewer dangerous bulls |
JB Mauney’s Legacy by the Numbers
| Statistic | Mauney’s Record | PBR Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Career earnings | $7,419,474 | 1st |
| 90+ point rides | 75 | 3rd |
| Premier series event wins | 32 | Tied 1st |
| Years at World Finals | 15 | Record |
FAQs For Why Did JB Mauney Stop Bull Riding?
Question: Can Mauney come back for one last ride?
A: No – his medical exemption was permanently revoked.
Q: What does Arctic Killer do now?
A: Lives as a bull on Mauney’s farm (Sold for $1,500/straw).
Q: Who broke Mouni’s earnings record?
A: Jose Vitor Leme is on track to pass it in 2025.
Q: Does Mooney regret not retiring earlier?
A: Hello no – I would do it all again, just maybe wear a neck brace soon.
A Legend’s New Chapter
Why Did JB Mauney Stop Bull Riding? JB Mauney’s retirement ended an era, but his impact continues:
✔ Coaching the next generation
✔ Raising safer rodeo standards
✔ Proving cowboys never really retire—they just find new arenas
For fans wanting to see Mauney today, he’ll be coaching at the 2024 PBR World Finals in Fort Worth (May 18-19).
