What Ended JB Mauney Career? A broken neck injury forced rodeo icon JB Mauney to retire in Idaho in 2023. See how it happened, his career stats, and what he’s up to now.
JB Mauney’s record-setting bull riding career ended on September 6, 2023, when he broke his neck after bucking the bull Arctic Assassin at the Roundup Extreme Bulls event in Lewiston (Idaho). Surgeons inserted rods, a plate, screws and removed the cervical disc. Doctors ruled out any future competition, leading Mauney, 36, to announce his retirement on Instagram a week later.
Table of Contents
Who Is J.B. Mauney? Career in Numbers
| Metric | Total | Context |
|---|---|---|
| PBR World Championships | 2 (2013, 2015) | Only 12 riders have multiple titles |
| Premier-series event wins | 32 | Tied all-time record with Justin McBride |
| Qualified rides (elite tour) | 538 | Second most in PBR history |
| Career 90-point rides | 75 | Known as “The Dragonslayer” |
| Career earnings | $7,419,474.90 | First “Seven-Million-Dollar Man” in Western sports |
| Age at retirement | 36 | Born 9 Jan 1987 |
Why These Stats Matter for U.S. Fans
- Big Money: $7.4 M is more than many mainstream American sports rookies earn, undercutting rodeo’s growth.
- Ride Volume: 538 authentic rides demonstrate near-NFL longevity in a more dangerous arena.
- Championships: Multiple gold bucks place Mooney alongside other American “GOAT” contenders.
The Night in Lewiston: How the Injury Happened
8 Seconds That Changed Everything
At the Division 2 Extreme Bulls stop in Lewiston, Arctic Assassin launched a hard left out of hole three. Mauney lost his seat in 3.12 seconds, landed on his head and shoulders, and was stepped on as the bull moved away.
Emergency Care
He was rushed to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center where scans revealed a fracture-dislocation of the C6 – C7 vertebrae. Surgeons stabilized the spine with titanium rods, a plate and six screws and removed a damaged disc. The neurologist suggested that another fall could cause a stroke.
Injury Timeline Leading to Retirement
| Date | Injury | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2017 | Right shoulder: torn rotator cuff & ligaments | Surgery, 6-month rehab |
| Jan 2018 | Torn right groin | Missed 4 events |
| Apr 2018 | Broken T1/T2 vertebrae | 8-week layoff |
| Jan 2019 | Broken left leg, torn ACL & MCL | Plates implanted, 5-month rehab |
| Sep 2023 | Broken neck (C6–C7) | Career-ending surgery |
Pattern: Each return short; A cervical fracture made further riding medically irresponsible.
Why a Broken Neck Ends a Bull-Riding Career
- High risk of re-injury – fusion limits the neck rotation necessary to counter 1,500-lb bulls. A second blow could break the spine.
- PRCA/PBR Medical Rules – Both bodies do not allow riders with unstable cervical hardware.
- Insurance and Liability – No US insurer covers cervical fusion after pro athletes in collision sports.
- Quality of life – Mauney cited a desire to “work both hands and raise my kids” after retirement.
Life After the Arena of What Ended JB Mauney Career?
- Oklahoma Wildcatters (PBR Teams) Coaching – 2024 Hired. The club finished 11-16-1, 8th overall.
- Arctic Assassin’s New Home – Mauney bought the bull that ended his career, keeping him as a “big dog” companion on a Stephenville, TX farm.
- Speaking and Brand Deals – Continued with Monster Energy, Wrangler, and Western Lifestyle podcasts, appealing to a U.S. audience that values motivational and comeback stories.
FAQs For What Ended JB Mauney Career?
Did J.B. Mauney ever wear a helmet?
Yes, he rode with a hockey-style helmet early in his career, but in 2013 he switched to a felt hat.
How many world titles does J.B. Mauney have?
Two PBR World Championships (2013, 2015).
Is he the richest bull rider?
Yes, his career payout of $7.4 million tops the PBR money list.
What bull ended his career?
The Arctic killer left it in Lewiston, Idaho, on September 6, 2023.
Will he ride again?
No. Doctors banned further competition after cervical fusion surgery.
