Top 16 Stories of 2016

PEUBLO, Colo. – 2016 was a year of thrilling storylines across the PBR. Everything from the tightest title race in history, to harrowing stories of recovery were featured over the course of the year.

As we close the book on 2016 and prepare to start writing the story of 2017, PBR.com has gathered the Top 16 stories from 2016.

The story of 2017 has yet to be written, but if last season was any indication, it will be full of even more compelling stories to tell.

NEWSOM INJURY A ‘REALITY CHECK’ FOR BULLFIGHTERS

The injury Frank Newsom suffered while saving Kaique Pacheco in Oklahoma City was one of the most shocking moments of the year. It was a reminder that PBR Bullfighters risk their lives to help protect cowboys, and just how big that responsibility is.

BOLTON REMAINING POSITIVE FOLLOWING SURGERY

Bonner Bolton’s injury in Chicago changed a lot for the Texas cowboy, but his positive outlook has been his signature ever since.

BERGER ACQUIRES 2012 WORLD CHAMPION ASTEROID; BULL TO DEBUT IN ST. LOUIS

Chad Berger’s acquisitions would shock the PBR world twice, but it was his purchase of 2012 World Champion Bull Asteroid and bringing him out of retirement that really made waves for the reigning Stock Contractor of the Year.

LOOKING BACK AT ROY’S CAREER

Roy was one of the top bulls in the PBR for years and everyone from riders, to stock contractors and fans remembered him fondly.

MISSISSIPPI HIPPY RETIRES FROM PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING

2016 also marked the final year of competition for Mississippi Hippy, a long-time favorite and one of the more rank bulls on tour.

HARRIS: “OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS WERE ON DUTY THAT NIGHT”

A horrific car accident almost took everything from J.W. Harris and his family, but after walking away, Harris has returned to riding with a new appreciation for life.

NEWSOM IS RECOVERING WELL

Newsom returned to action not long after his injury in Oklahoma City, and his dedication and grit demonstrated how important he is to the team of bullfighters.

MAUNEY BOUNCES BACK FROM FOOD POISONING

By the end of the 2016 season, food poisoning would be the easiest ailment J.B. Mauney would have to brush off over the course of the season but it was still more proof of his ability to bounce back.

MAUNEY SELECTS JARED ALLEN’S AIR TIME FOR ROUND 5

Mauney knew he was going to have to bet big if he still wanted a shot at a record-tying third World Championship after Round 4 of the Built Ford Tough World Finals, so he didn’t hesitate selecting Jared Allen’s Air Time on Championship Sunday. Though it didn’t end the way he wanted to, it was more proof of his championship swagger.

RIDERS REFLECT ON THE LEGACY OF LANE FROST AND WHAT IT MEANS TO THEIR DREAMS

Lane Frost continued to be a source of inspiration for almost every bull rider years after his tragic death.

DIRTEATER GOES PERFECT 6-FOR-6 TO WIN THE 2016 WORLD FINALS

Ryan Dirteater joined an exclusive club of elite riders when we won the Built Ford Tough World Finals after a perfect 6-for-6 run.

RICHARDSON RIDES IN MEMORY OF HIS FRIEND BLAKE HALLAM

Lachlan Richardson went into the Thackerville, Oklahoma, with a heavy heart because of the tragic loss of his friend, Blake Hallam. He, along with every other Australian rider, competed in his honor while Richardson turned in the best ride of his career on Seven Dust.

JEFF ROBINSON’S CONSECUTIVE BFTS APPEARANCE STREAK ENDS

Jeff Robinson has long been a stalwart among the stock contractors who compete in the PBR, which made the end of consecutive appearance streak stand out. He reassured fans, though, that he will continue to focus on bringing the best bulls possible.

BOLTON IS DETERMINED TO RIDE AGAIN

Bonner Bolton still hopes to compete again one day, but he has taken his second chance and made the most of his new career.

MAUNEY AND WING HELP DRIVE EACH OTHER TO SUCCESS

Long-time friends Stormy Wing and J.B. Mauney continued to push each other throughout the 2016 season and build on a bond that will likely continue long after they retire.

MAUNEY READY TO FACE WICKED FOR $25,000

Mauney kept his word with stock contractor Gene Owen and trekked down to Vinita, Oklahoma, to face Wicked in a special bounty match.