J.B. Mauney, widely considered one of the greatest bull riders in history, retired in September 2023 due to a career-ending neck injury.
The specific incident that forced his retirement occurred on September 6, 2023, during the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup Division 2 Extreme Bulls event. Mauney was bucked off by a bull named Arctic Assassin, landing on the side of his head and breaking his neck.
See the video J.B. Mauney with Arctic Assassin Bull
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
Medical and Personal Reasons for Stopping
- Emergency surgery: The injury required immediate surgery to remove the disc and insert rods, plates, and screws to stabilize his neck.
- High risk of permanent injury: Doctors warned Mauney that he would face a high risk of stroke or death if he landed on his head again.
- Family considerations: Mauney said his decision to leave was largely influenced by his wife and son, noting that he had used up his “nine lives” and it was time to prioritize his family’s future over the risk of further injury.
Life After Bull Riding
Since 2026, Mauney has been deeply involved in the sport:
- Coaching: He serves as the head coach of the Oklahoma Wildcatters in the PBR Team Series.
- Farming: He lives on his ranch, Bucktown XV, where he ironically purchased and now takes care of Arctic Assassin, the bull that ended his career.
- Legacy: In August 2025, Mauney was honored during the PBR Heroes and Legends ceremony, receiving the Ring of Honor for his contributions to the sport.
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).