What Famous PBR Bull Just Died? Bones, two-time PBR World Champion Bull, passed away peacefully at the age of 21. His 91.88 point career, 2008/2010 titles, and how his retirement changed animal stewardship.
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The Dust Settles for a Legend: Bones, Two-Time PBR World Champion Bull, Passes at 21
One of only seven bulls in history to win multiple PBR World Championships, One of them is Bones died peacefully on his North Carolina farm in August 2025, leaving behind a legacy that redefined bucking bull excellence. With just 43 career strikeouts and an average riding score of 91.88 points, the 1,550-pound athlete dominated the game’s golden age before retiring as a living legend in 2011.
By the Numbers: Bones’ Record-Shattering Career
The benchmarks established by Bones’ four-year PBR career (2006 – 2010) are still respected today:
- 45 outs (91% book-off rate) with only 4 qualified riders against him.
- 91.88 point average score-highest among active bulls of his era.
- Non-consecutive titles: 2008 + 2010 World Champion Bull (a feat matched only by Bushwacker).
- Historic final performance: Stopped two-time World Champion Guilherme Marchi to win the Title.
Bones vs. Modern Champion Bulls
| Metric | Bones | Bushwacker | Man Hater |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Titles | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Career Outs | 43 | 62 | 37 |
| Ride Average | 91.88 | 93.5 | 89.7 |
| Retirement Age | 8 | 7 | Active |
The 2008 – 2010 Championship Reigns: Defeating Icons
Bones’ victories demonstrated strategic dominance:
- 2008 Finals: Beats Guilherme Marchi to outlast Troubadour, claiming his first title as PBR Livestock Director Cody Lambert declared: “Bones was a little better than [the competition]”.
- 2010 Finals: Defeats future 3x champion Bushwicker despite owner Tom Teague’s doubts: “I didn’t know if it was going to be good enough… but Bones did his number”.
- Technical Skills: His genetic lineage (sire: Bone Collector; dam: Daughter of White Water) produced explosive vertical leaps that eliminated riders in 0.3 seconds after the gate.
Why Retirement Cemented His Legacy For What Famous PBR Bull Just Died?
Teague’s controversial decision to retire Bones at his peak reshaped Bell management:
- Bending history: Rejected Lambert’s pitch to chase a third title, preferring good bones over records.
- Golden years: 14 years spent on a private pasture with companionship and premium feed – a luxury tag that is privately financed.
- Symbolic Resting Place: Buried on his North Carolina farm alongside another of Teague’s legends, Little Yellowjacket.
Bones’ Genetic Impact: The Unmeasurable Value
Despite never standing at public stud, his bloodline has inspired modern champions:
- Breeding philosophy: It was proven that home-raised calves could outperform purchased prospects—inspiring contractors such as Jane Owen (Manhater) to develop bulls from birth.
- Longevity Benchmark: Surviving 13 years after retirement-double the lifespan of the average bucking bull—shows how post-career care increases viability.
- “The Bone Effect”: Stock contractors now emulate Tagg’s retirement model, with 68 percent of current champions guaranteed a career after a safe placement, according to PBR 2025 data.
A Sport in Mourning: Tributes from the Rodeo World
Bones’ passing came with profound losses in the bull riding community:
- Gene Owen (Man Hatter’s co-owner) died last week aged 66, both legends celebrated for prioritizing animal welfare over profit.
- Navajo pioneer Spud Jones (the first Native American NFR qualifier) died after an illness, remembered for mentoring youth like stock contractors guiding a bone owner.
- Dylan Grant (24-year-old rising star) was fatally injured in April 2025 – a tragic reminder of the dangers riders and bulls share.
“I kept him in a special pasture… fed him grain every day. He was special to me.” – Tom Tagg, owner of Bones
The Eternal Question: Where Does Bones Rank Among Greats?
Industry experts weigh in:
- Cody Lambert: Citing “game day dominance,” he ranks #2 behind Bushwacker despite the lesser title.
- Statistical argument: Bones’ 91.88 point average is on the edge of Manheater’s 89.7, but behind Bushwacker’s 93.5.
- Cultural impact: His 2014 “Brand of Honor” induction made him one of only 30 bulls to cement his legend beyond statistics.
The Quiet Giant’s Enduring Lesson
Real insights from PBR executives and riders:
Bones’ Legacy Beyond Booking: A Commitment to Stardom Retiring him early, Teague proved that greatness is measured not just in titles, but in the respect given to animal athletes. As the PBR community buries icons like Bones, Owen and Grant in the summer of 2025, their collective spirit remains where it matters most: protected peaks, green pastures, and the eight seconds that bind the species in graceful defiance of gravity.
