Who Was the Bull Rider That Got His Face Crushed? Discover the dramatic story of Chase Outlaw, the PBR bull rider whose face was crushed in an infamous crash. Read expert insight, real-life case details, and lessons for American rodeo fans about the evolution of risk, resilience, and safety in professional bull riding.
Bull riding is one of the most dangerous sports in America, with riders risking life and limb for glory. Among countless injuries, one incident stands out: the harrowing story of Chase Outlaw, who famously had his face crushed during a ride in 2018.
Table of Contents
The Accident: How Chase Outlaw’s Face Was Crushed
On July 23, 2018, at the Cheyenne Frontier Days PBR event, Chase Outlaw tried to ride a bull named War Cloud. Just 1.51 seconds into the ride, Warcloud’s head slammed into Outlaw’s face, resulting in one of the most devastating facial injuries in bull riding. X-rays revealed large bilateral fractures on both sides of his face.
Dr. William White, who performed the reconstructive surgery, called it “the worst facial reconstruction I have ever seen.” Outlaw endured a 12-hour surgery that included 68 screws, 11 plates, and four pieces of surgical mesh to repair 15 fractures on each side of his face.
Case Study: The Road to Recovery
Despite the severity of his injuries, Outlaw’s recovery is a testament to both modern medicine and his own courage:
Geographic Salary Variations
Location significantly affects the income of rodeo cowboys. The highest-paying states offer nearly double the compensation of the lowest-paying areas:
- Hospitalization and surgery: Outlaw was hospitalized at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, where he underwent complex reconstructive procedures. This situation required a complete surgical team consisting of trauma, eye and orthopedic specialists.
- Mental and Physical Barriers: Outlaw described moments of intense pain and frustration, including difficulty breathing, being blindfolded, and constant swelling and drainage.
- Community Support: Outpourings of support from family, fellow riders, and fans led to substantial fundraising, social media encouragement, and emotional support.
- Return to Competition: Amazingly, Outlaw returned to bull riding within months, showing remarkable resilience and tenacity. In the years that followed, he continued to compete at the highest level, earning high ratings and accolades.
Expert Opinions on Safety, Risk, and Courage
- Sports Medicine Team: Rick Foster of the Justin Sports Medicine Program said, “The injuries were severe, but not life-threatening or permanently debilitating if treated properly. Appropriate medical response and equipment were critical to Outlaw’s survival and recovery.”
- The surgeon’s perspective: “This is the worst facial crush I’ve ever seen, and this surgery pushed the limits of current reconstructive technology,” confirmed Dr. White.
- Rider Wisdom: Outlaw himself reflected, “I should have worn a helmet in Cheyenne, but I didn’t. Here we are now.” Since then, he has become an advocate for protective equipment among PBR athletes.
Insight: Other Notable Face Injuries in Bull Riding
While Outlaw’s case has been the most prominent in recent years, another infamous facial injury involved bull rider Tough Hedman in the 1990s, who was hit by the legendary Bull Bodacious, breaking nearly every bone in his face. Hedeman survived, but suffered a permanent loss of smell and taste. These events spurred industry-wide changes in equipment and rider safety advocacy.
Injury Statistics: Why Face Injuries Matter
Bull riding injuries are common and severe:
- Facial injuries make up a significant portion of head trauma in rodeo.
- A 6-year study of major hospitals found limb injuries to be the most common, but head and face injuries often lead to the longest hospital stays and the greatest risk of permanent disability.
- Recovery often requires multiple surgeries, ongoing therapy, and sometimes results in lasting effects on speech, vision, and dental health.
Evolution of Rodeo Safety: Lessons from Outlaw’s Accident
Protective Gear Adoption For Who Was the Bull Rider That Got His Face Crushed? :
Chase Outlaw’s accident and subsequent advocacy contributed to the widespread use of helmets in professional bull riding. Although not all riders are required to wear helmets, the trend is changing, especially since helmets can reduce the severity of trauma and prevent facial fractures.
Medical Care Improvements:
Modern rodeos now require on-site trauma teams, rapid response protocols, and state-of-the-art transportation and surgical facilities to deal with the realities of facial and brain injuries.
Solutions: Making Bull Riding Safer
- Mandatory Helmet Use: Helmets and face guards should be required for all professional competitors.
- Immediate Medical Response: On-site trauma teams to deal with devastating injuries.
- Education: Riders should receive ongoing training on safe techniques and the importance of protective gear.
- Community Support: Fundraising and support networks for injured athletes to help manage recovery costs and trauma.
Courage, Change, and the Future of Bull Riding
Who Was the Bull Rider That Got His Face Crushed? Chase Outlaw’s face-crushing accident is more than a tragedy-it sparked change in the rodeo industry. Outlaw’s flexibility, along with advances in sports medicine, highlight both the risks and rewards of bull riding. As safety measures improve and more riders adopt protective equipment, the sport continues to evolve-focusing not just on courage, but the well-being of its athletes.
For aspiring cowboys and American rodeo fans, Outlaw’s story offers a powerful lesson: The toughest bull riders are those who turn adversity into advocacy, not just for the win, but for the chance to ride another day.