Donny gay bull rider

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Join us as we explore the highs and lows of his career, and discover the true grit and determination that made him a champion in the world of rodeo.

Early Life and Introduction to Bull Riding

Don Gay was born on September 18, 1953, in Mesquite, Texas. His dedication and hard work paid off as he started to make a name for himself in the sport.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Throughout his career, Don Gay achieved numerous record-breaking accomplishments that solidified his status as a legend in professional bull riding.

Raised in the dust and lights of the Mesquite Rodeo, taught by tough love, grounded in faith, and shaped by legacy, Don became the embodiment of the American cowboy.

Even into his 70s, Don remains an ambassador for rodeo. It took him nearly an entire season, but he succeeded, earning the green light to pursue rodeo competition.

The only way to fail is by not trying
-Don

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Don’s first official competition came in Mansfield, Texas, where he met his future wife.

The physical demands of the sport often led to injuries, including broken bones and concussions. It is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Texas rodeo cowboy, while also promoting the future of rodeo in Texas and beyond. He became a key figure in rodeo media, sharing his knowledge as a color commentator and working with Frontier Rodeo Company, a 10-time Stock Contractor of the Year.

If you get broke, get a job.” And that was the first day of Don’s career as a full-time rodeo cowboy.

In 1972, Don made his first appearance at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), finishing third overall.

donny gay bull rider

He spent his days on the family ranch, helping out with chores and learning the ins and outs of working with livestock. In addition to his championship wins, Don Gay has been inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a true legend in the sport. This first taste of competition fueled Gay’s passion for bull riding and set him on the path to becoming a professional rodeo cowboy.

Training and Development as a Bull Rider

After his first rodeo experience, Don Gay dedicated himself to honing his skills as a bull rider.

By setting the bar high and constantly pushing himself to be the best, Don Gay showed younger riders that anything is possible with hard work and determination. The day he graduated from high school in 1972, Don handed his diploma to his father, who said, “If you get sick or if you get hurt, call me. Although he drew the toughest bull for his debut, and was nearly thrown from the arena, he was hooked.

7 in.
Weight: 165 lbs.
Residence: Terrell, TX
Married: Terri Patton, 1977
Daughter: Talli Leigh, born October 1984
Parents: Kay, Neal (a founder of the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, 1958)
Brothers: Pete, Jim

Accomplishments:

  • Earned PRCA membership while a sophomore at Mesquite High School, 1970
  • Graduated Mesquite High School, 1972, qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo (NFR), Oklahoma City, OK.
  • Qualified 13 years at NFR in bull riding (11 consecutive)
  • Won record eight PRCA world bull riding titles, 1974-77, 1979-81, 1984
  • Broke PRCA’s bull riding single season earnings record eight consecutive years, 1974-81
  • Lone Star Circuit bull riding champ, 1975-76, 1978
  • First rodeo cowboy to receive Special Achievement Award by All Sports Association, 1975, also in 1981, 1984
  • PRCA bull riding champ, 1976-78
  • Won NFR bull riding average, 1976; Holder of NFR record 95 point ride on Kelsey’s ‘Red One’ (broken by Cody Hancock with 96 point bull ride at 2001 NFR)
  • Won the only NFR ‘Sudden Death’ world title ride-off, 1977
  • Scored career high 97 points on SC’s famous bull ‘Oscar’ at Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA, 1977; The bull was retired at 1978 NFR after Don rode him during the final go-round
  • An original inductee in Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Colorado Springs, CO.

    1979; Joined by his dad Neal, 1993; Only father-son team in the rodeo shrine

  • Retired from bull riding, 1989
  • Inducted into Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Fort Worth, TX.
  • Inducted into Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Waco, TX. 1996
  • Inducted into Athletes International Ministries, Arizona, 1999
  • Color analyst for Mesquite Championship Rodeo show on FSN Southwest since 2001; Color analyst for Mesquite Championship Rodeo on TNN, 1986-01
  • Color analyst for PBR on TNN, 1993-00
  • Color analyst for PRCA Extreme Bulls Tour on ESPN, 2003-06
  • Color analyst for Wrangler NFR, Las Vegas, NV.

    on ESPN, 2003-06

About the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame

The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame was founded in 1975 by Belton businessman and PRCA bull rider Johnny Boren. As the sport of bull riding continues to evolve, Don Gay’s impact will always be remembered as a true pioneer in the rodeo world.

Don Gay’s life has been nothing short of legendary in the world of professional rodeo.

Don’s own paralysis scare in the ring later that year led to his final decision to step away from competition for good.

To Don Gay, rodeo is not a sport—it’s a calling and a family. His father, Neal Gay, was a successful rodeo cowboy and owned a rodeo production company, which allowed Don to be immersed in the sport from a very early age.

Growing Up in Texas

Living in Texas, Don Gay was surrounded by the cowboy culture.

In his later years, Don embraced his Christian faith, citing a heartfelt conversation with his daughter as the moment that led him to rededicate his life to God. This spiritual transformation brought peace and a new purpose beyond competition.

“We’re together, and we’re going to a better place.

He entered a local rodeo competition and despite being one of the youngest competitors, he showed immense talent and fearlessness in the arena. However, Don Gay’s determination and resilience allowed him to overcome these obstacles and continue competing at the highest level.

Overall, Don Gay’s rise to fame in professional bull riding is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport.

By his early teens, he was riding steers, learning how to protect himself and stay on. Experts in the sport have called him the greatest bull rider of all time.