J.B. Mauney: An extended interview with a Texas bull riding legend

Bull rider J.B. Mauney won more money than anyone in rodeo history. Now he's retired after a bull broke his neck, nearly killing him. He talked with WFAA about retirement, his decorated career and what's next for him.
FULL STORY: www.wfaa.com/article/news/loc...
00:00 Learning to be tough
01:36 What's retirement like?
04:36 How his career ended
08:59 Remembering his injuries
12:11 On why he rode bulls
12:51 On rank bulls and Bushwacker
14:58 His future as a breeder
20:05 Will he get the itch to ride again?
21:03 On coaching now
23:23 Introducing Arctic Assassin

[@AdrianGonzalez-ig5cf]

I want JB to be on the Joe Rogan podcast just to see joes reactions to the legend and his stories

[@AMGFatpocket]

Now that is a cool idea for sure

[@pitgroove.37_66]

Dale brisby was on that podcast talking about him, and Dale highlighted some of JB's greatest moments. Joe Rogan for sure was impressed

[@fishnwhistle]

I've noticed both Joe Rogan & Theo Von started following JB after Dale Brisby was on JRE so I reckon we may see something at some point!

[@SupermanBB]

That’s a good idea. Joe Rogan definitely should get him on!

[@vgorp3849]

I don't. I like that dudes like this still exist outside of the internet, podcast circuit

[@selrandolph]

He’s not just a Texas legend, he’s a legend everywhere, but he’s not even from Texas, product of North Carolina

[@dawsonsigmon592]

NC has some pretty damn good bull riders

[@mralowen]

.... Michael Jeffrey Jordan was a Bull ....and from NC ...

[@user-mx3vf8gu2w]

Don't forget Jerome Davis from Archdale

[@thomasjefferson6578]

Product of white race...location is irrelevant.

[@jeffnelms6181]

Wasn’t Daylon Swearingen raised in the Carolina’s too??

[@WhoDat1976]

The fact him and that bull are spending life togther is awesome. No need for sore feelings. They both had a job to do.

[@PyroDREW.]

"It's never beef"

[@Turboy65]

EVERY bull rider that is worth the cost of his boots has a degree of love and respect for the bulls. It's a challenge, not a war.

[@Rebelx251]

Its the most badass thing to do.

[@werewolfzeus]

He moves like a guy who has broke just about everything. There’s a stiffness to his movements that leaves no doubt that he left it all out there. Legendary don’t describe this dude.

[@Brandiga721]

This is my favorite interview ever with him! Glad you are doing well JB!

[@Wfaa8]

Thanks for watching!

[@freespirit369-nb4jf]

Agree!

[@freespirit369-nb4jf]

My favorite bull rider! You sound good JB. Happy your healthy and up right. It's about time you do some ranch work!😂😂❤

[@nate13dog1]

​@@Wfaa8 tell him he needs his own KZbin please. We need more JB

[@joshuaburgos3450]

I broke my neck in 2 places in a car accident 6 months ago, and hearing JB's story made me feel better.

[@adamkondracki3201]

I was ejected via my car windshield because some lady in a Hummer. .

[@joshuaburgos3450]

@@adamkondracki3201 God bless you. Hope you're recovering well

[@cryptidian3530]

How are you recovering now?

[@Flyboydca]

God bless you brother

[@theblackmoth1111]

Dang man sorry to hear that. Now I’ll slow it down on the road I hope you never lose the spirit of life. I hope you find strength you never know you had and happiness. A new way to life !

[@JE-tz4sh]

Hands down the toughest and greatest of all time. No one on this planet can talk about bull riding without mentioning JB.

[@chix1]

Nobody but some Americans talk about bull riding

[@SusanH4626]

I LOVE seeing those bulls enjoying their retirement and the respect J.B has for them…

[@michaelcassidy8785]

I’m a snowboarder from New York and I watch jb videos before I ride. His mentality is everything

[@andrewschutte]

We need more guys like this. This is what a man is. Just listening to his mentality on things. Feel like boys and men don’t have anyone like this to listen to anymore.

[@alecbaker13]

JB you will never be a quitter. You’ve been battling bulls your whole life and only 1% of men would ever dare to even ride a bull. Good for you for knowing when to retire, your health is most important so you can be there for your family. Love ya

[@alecbaker13]

❤

[@advityat]

1%? More like .00001%. I don't know anything about the sport, but I can't even imagine the cajones it takes to even get near one, let alone ride one. Hats off to these dudes!

[@user-lf8he5vi3e]

Call me a 1%er, cuz I'm going for it baby!

[@BarryB.Benson]

It’s ironic that he still smokes though since the cigarettes are far more likely to take his life than a bull ever was

[@Anth230]

​@@user-lf8he5vi3e😂

[@ErikSkvarch-hr9iu]

wow, man. absolutely captivating story. my life just paused for 25 minutes. thanks for sharing, J.B. -Erik, the tile guy.

[@hectorramirez1989]

J B, one of my hero’s, never quit attitude, God Bless You, Your Family, and Your Ranch, Stay Safe Sir

[@Mightyhero777]

Amen 🙏

[@benjismith593]

You can tell it kills him to not be able to ride bulls. JB has done more than 99.9% of people on this Earth will ever do. It's nice he sharing a space with the bull that retired him. Both are champions. Both are athletes. JB is the man!

[@lessforloans]

99.999999999999999999999%

[@garay16432]

Calling him "a good ole boy" is an understatement. A real inspiration...

[@JorgeCampos-xy6kt]

Good ole boys from the 50s?

[@garay16432]

@JorgeCampos-xy6kt older than that. I'm talking mexicanos from the year 1985 B.C. Or whatever they're calling it now

[@JorgeCampos-xy6kt]

@@garay16432 good ole boys. Lol

[@markvann9347]

I've watched every one of JBs interviews... Always the most humble guy... His giant balls is how he managed to stay on all those bulls... Kept his center of gravity low. True legend

[@imsuperdad]

This man will never know the lives he's changed with his riding.

[@hellac6]

Dude just oozes cool. The stories that man can tell.

[@Retired2013]

I’m a retired ( way too early) combat veteran with 23 years of service…. And I’ll tell you JB is the whole reason I got into PBR…. You’re younger than me ( I’m 54 this year 2024) but you are definitely my idol brother! Thank you for that! Wish your career was not over, but happy that you’re not dead or in a wheelchair… god bless you JB!

[@splendidbehavior]

Thank you for your service sir! I’m in my seventies been watching the PBR since the beginning. JB is just dirty tough cowboy! He’s just an exceptional young man that only comes around so often!👊🏻😊

[@deliawright8626]

​@@splendidbehaviorDeets of "Lonesome Dove" "Splendid Behavior."

[@splendidbehavior]

@@deliawright8626 😊👍🏻

[@sourarmoredhero7765]

I'm not a farm boy, I'm not a bull rider, I have no connection whatsoever to that lifestyle - but when I think of people who are deserving of GOAT status in competition - JB is the first guy I always think of. Always and forever. THE GOAT.

[@willnulph03]

Hands down the GOAT. He is so humble.

[@SilverBulletNation]

I just want to say thank you for what you do for veterans. This channel has helped me tremendously. I had been at 90% fighting the VA for years for some of my debilitating conditions. Well, last week I hit 100% with 11 months of back pay. I couldn’t have done this without the help of this channel. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@gabet945]

Thank you for your service.

[@smokyplantationfarms3806]

Hes like the Dale Earnhardt of bull ridin. Right on JB

[@kennyringer5887]

He grew up kind of around Earnhardt.

[@noahkillough2840]

Something about that piedmont NC mill town toughness

[@MastaYoda]

My mother loved JB she passed away in November 23 I watch these videos and cry

[@350mack]

The bull that ended it all has a home for life. That's love

[@jamiedeneault]

My neck was broken to Champ J.B. C-1 C-4 out jeuvenile tree spacing back in the 90's...Im happy to be walking and living...Thank you for all the Awesome memories jumping off my couch cheering for you riding Bushwacker and all the 90 point Bulls you rode!

[@retrieverlover8228]

Came here from TikTok...never heard of him. What a life story! Amazing!Glad he's still creating more memories. ❤

[@nevillewalker6299]

Great interview. I'm in the UK and only have seen bull riding once in San Antonio but we watch it here in the UK on youtube> J.B's interview has strengthened our view about these guys. Brilliant. His standing scratching that bulls back was just fantastic.

[@sixteenstone007]

Not sure what it is, but his personality is so likable. I don't even follow bull riding, but I always watch and listen whenever I see his name. I know he's made a fortune bull riding, but he could make another fortune with his own youtube channel. Very good sense of humor too.

[@hellac6]

He just oozes cool

[@h.trobsionrobisonservicesl6164]

That ending was awesome! That ole bull said no hard feelings.. but we both had a job to do back then, now we're good J.B. Good shit!!

[@MT-kc9cf]

my dad always said it’s all in your mind, he’s right. Never hesitate. Never doubt yourself. My dad is 83, still roping cattle.

[@anthonyayala7925]

Such a cool human. I’ve ridden a steer and it was one of the greatest thrills I’ve ever had, Im recovering from knee surgery and for some stupid reason I want to get on a bull for the bucket list at 35 yo.

[@user-gc6wx8ee5o]

This dude is the real “ride or die” legend! Man!..what a great interview!

[@JS45678]

I know absolutely nothing about bulls, bull riding, or this legendary athlete but I have a newfound respect for these amazingly courageous riders as well as the bulls who are doing their job, too. WOW, what a great interview, thank you for sharing. 🙏

[@splendidbehavior]

He’s more popular than ever if that’s even possible. Glad he didn’t just ride off into the sunset. Looking forward to him coaching and his team. Great video thank you!❤👊🏻😊

[@k.b.322]

Not just the toughest bull rider, the toughest man of this century, by a long dam way.

[@christyntrevino8988]

What a beautiful shot to end the interview!

[@joshgreen9412]

You're an inspiration JB, I've followed your whole career and you have always been my favorite PBR rider. I'm a welder from South Florida,I work on natural gas pipelines. Have a good one JB 🍻🍻💚

[@ganderstein3426]

I'd never seen a GOAT (Greatest of All Time) ride a bull, until I saw JD Mauney.

[@Strongfan77]

B.

[@Wangchung405]

Thanks for explaining what a GOAT is

[@kurtiscash8187]

And getting his name wrong 😂

[@realtalkwiththeking7862]

This the GOAT of Bill Riding right here. Nobody will ever come close. Real man.

[@andacochran8703]

I started watching PBR because of J.B. He is from a town near mine and knew some of my relatives. I began to follow him when he was very young. This is a great interview. I never knew how he could deal with all the injuries he has had. He was an amazing bull rider. I’ve always said that bull riders are the toughest athletes around. Thanks for the memories, JB.

[@icedwidow]

I’m a city girl who knows nothing of bull riding, but i fell in love with this guy.

[@robertpalmer3166]

@@Geardrive427-ip8vj And has lived, and will live, a fuller life than you could ever dream of.

[@marissaawesome2422]

Oooh your first time hearing a man talk...A MAN 😉

[@icedwidow]

@@Geardrive427-ip8vj please 😂

[@robertpalmer3166]

@@Geardrive427-ip8vj That was a monumentally stupid reply.

[@doughatchel9323]

He's a true cowboy

[@hellac6]

That’s one of the coolest humans walking the face of the earth. You can tell, it wasn’t about money with JB…..it was about the Love of the game and the Respect…..and he certainly has mine! 🫡

[@alvinp9269]

I love bull riding. Don't know any bull riders, but I imagined they'd be just like this guy. So genuine. Love that he and his bull have retired to greener pastures together. High respect for this gentleman. Happy years ahead. God bless.

[@JLYT2024]

Hit the nail on the head. I spent a fair amount of time around bull riders as a kid. They're as genuine as they come. Its some of the people that love and spectate the sport that aren't.

[@freddiesanchez885]

Great interview with JB! True legend and Cowboy. Pretty cool he got his last bull sitting on the ranch like a dog. Need a JB movie!!

[@MerlinOpeth]

Been watching him for a long time thank you for doing this interview. So glad to see hes doing well.

[@craigmike6779]

Cowboy tough i loved how he said he was the kid with the try

[@GeofCates8075]

Thanks for posting this interview here.

[@jerryogstad]

Wow I rember him. Iam 82 in 3 months and am on the Caldwell night rodeo board retired . He was one of the best. may GOD bless him.

[@gibsonleather5835]

This was outstanding. Like someone else said, best JB Mauney interview I've seen.

[@jasonantigua6825]

Where there’s a will,there’s a way! I could listen to this guy forever!

[@BradDavis-cj8cj]

Not only was he a incredible bull rider, also very humble, stand up guy. At cowtown in New jersey he took the time to talk my son and his friends. Took a picture Also

[@dougtheviking6503]

Down to earth guy . Looks like plenty to keep him busy . Thanks, J.B.

[@lauriestephens98]

Headline says "Texas" bull rider but didn't think JB was from Texas. And wishing him the best life, cause we surely enjoyed watching him ride. Best to you and yours JB.

[@noahkillough2840]

JB is from the great state of North Carolina

[@tyskeezy]

Didnt grow up with rodeo, but i damn sure know who JB Mauney is

[@apiemikey]

This is a really great piece of work, an amazing piece of journalism

[@chupacabraracing181]

Im also 37. Dont ride bulls, but ive been racing motocross since 4. Whole family wants me to hang up my helmet. A lot of injuries and currently dealing with a torn hamstring. Still going to my day job (electrician) everday and getting shi* done. I work for myself and have no choice. I also mastered the tough mindset. I appreciate JB and this interview. Never met the man but he is an inspiration. 💪

[@woodysrockspyro6436]

Keep riding. Maybe switch to enduro... it's crazy fun.

[@chupacabraracing181]

@woodysrockspyro6436 my cousin is trying to talk me into the GNCC and hare scramble scene. But I'm still a moto guy. I'm sure I will eventually. One thing for sure, I'll never quit riding.

[@woodysrockspyro6436]

@@chupacabraracing181 it's all friends riding dirtbikes with less risk. Once you get used to the trees and roots it feels great.

[@ronaldsummey469]

Jb is definitely one of a kind. When I look at him you can see a spirit just like Dale Sr. Except Jb is still with us.

[@christianalley7669]

I know nothing about bull riding, but I know about JB. The best athletes in the world never cease to amaze us all.

[@maleanewborn9073]

This man reminds me so much of my late husband! It’s crazy. He was killed at 37, 2015. I enjoyed watching JB ride and I enjoy just listening to him talk as well. Seems like a genuine guy. Need more like him.

[@oursxsadventures8156]

It's been a blessing to me to follow your career. I can't even start to imagine how many lives you've touched. There are some really talented bull riders but they'll never reach the bar you set. God bless you, your family and all your life will bring your way.

[@samtriebels3646]

As a welder by trade, I would have felt honored to do the work on his property. This man is a legend

[@bobrudder2222]

What a great video! Truly an inspiring man with words of wisdom!

[@jamesfischer4182]

Best of luck JB. Much love from Dubbo, Australia

[@jerrylewis4509]

The best to ever do it really enjoyed this one tuff man

[@kurtrindgen4708]

The mental side at his level is just unreal. Simple understanding of thinking and doing.

[@caseystegall3354]

Awfully humble words from the greatest bull rider of all time. J.B. you are the real deal.

[@josephguidotti1573]

You are a legend sir ! Period . They’ll be talking about you for decades to come

[@pheleant]

I completely understand the story about the neck brace, and asking for a smoke. I rolled an 8.5 yard cement mixer at 65 MPH in Denver in 93, and my first request was a smoke. Great interview.

[@SandraBlanton-vn3mh]

J,B. Is awesome. He and Samatha are raising the next bull rider. Jagger is an awesome little dude. Take care JB. Much happiness to your beautiful family.

[@orrinbell7590]

Love it man. Good interview with a good dude.

[@leismith3124]

Love his humor and his genuine talent and love of the sport. He truly is a legend 🩷

[@smilinwolfette1978]

Love JB❤❤ God Bless him for leaving us all as one of the top legends ❤❤

[@brandonbollig9607]

Met this man in minrod MN back in 2022. One of the best

[@87GrandNational]

Awesome documentary! We have so many great personalities in North Rexas, please make more of these!

[@454easy]

Never be another like him, not even close. Good luck with your retirement J B. Well deserved brother

[@MtMichaelT]

God Bless ya JB We weren’t ready for you to give it up but we still love you 👊 God Bless

[@cheyennearseneault6024]

What a legend 👏🏽 great watch! Love that he has the bull👍🏽

[@dervolkstribun6240]

He is a man from north-carolina, who lives in Texas. Beside these facts, he is the best surviving bull rider ever. The best ever died in the mud and the rain down in Cheyenne. Rest in peace Lane Frost, you are gone, but never will be forgotten!

[@LoveyC-sr3uc]

What a beautiful story of forgiveness at the end. I don’t know if I could forgive an animal like that after changing my whole career and life forever.

[@scubasteve7322]

No JB you’re the best bull rider that’s ever done it. You don’t need to prove anything. You’re the reason I started a watch bull riding you don’t need to get on a ball. I don’t wanna read or wake up in the morning and see the news that JB got on another bowl and broke his neck and he’s not alive anymore because I think the bull writers need JB around because a lot of these bull writers die guys doing what they love and JB don’t need to die on a bowlstay retired. I know you got the edge but just grab a young kid and try to get him the ride balls. God bless you JB.

[@x00582]

hes retired

[@ms.cellaneous7458]

"Bull writers"??? You mean Bull Riders don't ya. No danger writing about bulls. Riding them is another thing.

[@THATSWHATSUP.615]

I enjoyed this interview really well 🇺🇸💪

[@1shotlegend]

He's such a smooth story teller, just someone you want to listen to.

[@saltrock9642]

The best example of sportsmanship is the relationship between rider and rider and between riders and bulls. It’s poetic.

[@simon134]

Absolute Legend and the PBR GOAT! One tough Cowboy.

[@ccrankitup]

best interview ive seen. Thanks

[@fishnwhistle]

One of the best interviews ive seen with this cat. Great work fine people!

[@kurtrindgen4708]

Gotta say - he’s a great interview.

[@RanchDressing101]

This was a masterpiece… I am glad to see he is doing well.

[@2ndGenGlock]

I saw an interview on Netflix where JB was balancing on a ball with boots . I still can't do it with a pair of nikes on much less a pair of cowboy boots . GOAT for sure . God bless you all

[@jamounition3090]

If this guy ain't a role model for never quitting and trying your best, idk who is. Love this guy

[@brentcason4353]

Mauney is the man.

[@Nickmyers23]

It’s crazy, I have never been into bull riding or any rodeo sports but I watch everything I can find about this man. Idk what it is but his calm demeanor and way he tells his stories are so fascinating to me

[@daleconder88]

J.B. is a legend, he gave 110%. Sorry to hear about your retirement. I glad to see you alrite. This maybe hard to hear enjoy your retirement, you deserve it.

[@billycampbell8167]

Well at least you can walk. Jerome would trade places with ya any day Champ. And hopefully the smokes don’t get you but it’s comin. Always been my favorite and God Bless. I’m 60 years old now and hated to stop bull riding but enjoying my grandson doing it now and he’s doing really well. Keep your head up Champ 👍

[@user-wu9vk8mn8z]

This is a incredible captivating video do not know much about bull riding but I am a true JB fan . Thank God that you are still alive and doing well despite all your injuries amazing and I love the end of this story the Cowboy and the Bull retire together.

[@Wfaa8]

Thanks for watching the video!

[@jimmyrusso6350]

1 of North Carolinas finest JB is humble down to earth proud of his achievements

[@whome1299]

JB is a bonified star. He's got the whole package. Miss him in the arena, but his personality alone will take him far in life. Texas is proud to adopt him.

[@ROKE_89]

the end of this interview is simply beautiful.

[@cowboysnation6053]

“LONG LIVE COWBOYS” The Bad To Bone JB! The Song Said it All. Enjoy The Rest Of Your Live Champ! A Great Video Here,A Lot You Said Makes A Lot Of Sense. MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BE BLESSED.🙏🏽🪶🫶🏽💙👊🏽👌🏽👏🏽👍🏽