“PBR Danger on the Dirt” Goes Behind the Scenes

By: Denise M. Abbott December 21, 2015 @ 08:00:00 AM

One-hour special airs on CBS on Dec. 27.

Following a grueling 26-week season, the PBR World Finals are the sport’s biggest and most lucrative stage. “PBR Danger on the Dirt,” produced by David Neal Productions, weaves together a series of emotional storylines from the five-day championship event, where 8 seconds or less can bring triumph or disappointment.

The program focuses on the stories of quintessential cowboy J.B. Mauney, who rode through pain to win his second PBR World Championship and become the sport’s first “$6 million man”; Jared Allen, owner of Airtime, a volatile bovine contending for bull of the year; Jesse Byrne, a courageous bullfighter protecting his bull-riding brother, Tanner; and Bonner Bolton, a young rider entering the spotlight for the first time at the World Finals.

“PBR Danger on the Dirt” is an unvarnished look at some of the PBR’s most fascinating individuals as they battle through the most grueling season in PBR history,” said PBR CEO Sean Gleason. “David Neal and Cory Kelley have crafted a powerful and intimate portrait that pulls back the curtain and provides a glimpse into the psyche of the world’s best bull riding.”

“In the PBR it’s routine for 150-pound human athletes to take on 1,800-pound bulls in a clash of athleticism and pure grit,” said David Neal, founder of David Neal Productions and executive producer of the Built Ford Tough Series events exclusively carried on CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network. “It’s a sport that’s inherently dangerous and real courage is prerequisite. Die-hard PBR fans and newcomers alike, are going to find ‘Danger on the Dirt’ fascinating.”

Select Highlights of Danger on the Dirt:

“Being tough’s always been part of bull riding. My dad always told me from the time I was little: ‘You play the game, you take the pain.’ I’ve tried to always live by that.” – J.B. Mauney, two-time PBR World Champion (2015, 2013)

“I really see the science behind this sport – to get that ultimate bucking animal, that kick, athleticism, body type and intensity. I want elite bulls. I want to go out and dominate people.” – NFL Star Jared Allen, owner of championship bull contender Air Time and defensive end for the  Carolina Panthers

“These are animals of pure aggression and pure muscle. The cowboy’s job is to stay on top. Well, most of the time.”  – PBR bull rider Shane Proctor

“The essence of what J.B. (Mauney) is, is the essence of this sport — having guts, having toughness, wanting to slay the dragons. That attitude is imperative to this sport. You gotta be that fearless gunslinger to be a great bull rider. This isn’t a businessman’s game.” – Ty Murray, PBR co-founder and 7-time World Champion Cowboy

“It’s an explosion as the bulls come out of the chute. The dirt is flying, the crowd is cheering, the rider’s grunting. It’s a matter of keeping your focus on the entire picture, seeing if that rider is still in control,  and ultimately where he’s going to end up so you can take the bull’s attention away and have a safe outcome.” — PBR bullfighter, Jesse Byrne