Jesus Caps CBR Title with Impressive Ride

By: Darci Miller
July 25, 2018

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Prior to the start of the second night of competition of PBR at Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Cody Jesus knew he had the CBR championship in the bag.

Or, at least that’s what people were telling him.

“Everybody was coming up to me saying I sealed the deal, and I wanted to believe it, but I was like, ‘No, it ain’t over yet,’” Jesus said. “And they said, ‘No. No one’s catching you for sure.’”

Despite his mild case of denial, it was true: Jesus had mathematically clinched the title before even setting foot on the dirt in Cheyenne.

He didn’t have to ride a single bull to be presented with the trophy.

But ever the competitor, Jesus was determined to ride and win the last-ever CBR event.

However, Jesus was bucked off by Simple Man in 5.93 seconds to his frustration.

There were only 10 qualified rides in the long round on Tuesday night, which led to five riders advancing to the championship round via buckoff time.

Jesus received the final draw spot in the 15-rider championship round and he didn’t let the opportunity slip him by.

Especially once he saw he had drawn Hellfire.

Jesus had previously ridden the bull for 93 points in Fort Worth, Texas, as the two locked proverbial horns.

The 20-year-old knew Hellfire would give him a chance for a big score in Cheyenne.

“I’d bucked off and wanted to end this deal on a bang, and shoot, it worked out,” Jesus said. “I came back on time and got the bull I wanted.”

Jesus earned 89.5 points for his ride, winning the final round by three and a half points and accepting his CBR championship trophy with a huge ride fresh in his memory.

He finished fourth overall in the two-night event, earning 20 world points. He’s now ranked No. 87 in the PBR world standings.

“I sat in that chute and it was just me and the bull,” Jesus said. “No world title, nothing really, but just me and that bull. And something special happened. We matched up for a big number. It’s amazing.

“That last ride – it was something else. It feels amazing. That’s just what I needed. I was kind of bummed out, but I knew God had a plan for me to end like this, and it couldn’t have ended any better way.”

With two huge rides on Hellfire, it’s clear the two are a match made in bull riding heaven. But what makes them so compatible?

“I don’t know. I think it’s just my riding style,” Jesus said. “He’s flashy, and my riding style ain’t the prettiest. It’s more try than anything. And when those two go at it like that, it’ll match up good.”

The 20-year-old cowboy has some pretty down-to-earth plans for his $100,000 payday. To celebrate, he’ll go fishing on Thursday.

When asked what he’ll spend his money on, he paused for a long moment.

“I want to get my mom something nice, and my dad something nice,” he said. “And something for my seven siblings. They’ve been the best.

“Until everything settles, then I’ll finally let it sink in that I’m the world champ for the CBR.”

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