After a life-threatening head injury in 2025 left doctors questioning his future, the 20-year-old Oklahoma bull rider returned to win the San Antonio Xtreme Bulls.
One year ago, Jeter Lawrence’s future in bull riding was uncertain. He was on a high after his first trip to the National Finals Rodeo. With an NFR qualification, a round win, and a successful season under his belt, Jeter felt like a veteran tackling the 2025 season.
In January that all changed. At the Oklahoma City ProRodeo, the young Oklahoma cowboy suffered a terrifying wreck that fractured his forehead and caused a brain bleed. He had a broken eye socket, and several other injuries. He was placed on a ventilator for some time. This was heart breaking news for the rodeo community who has grown to love watching the young phenom dominate against the best.
The injury abruptly halted all the goals and plans he had built during his rookie season and forced him into a recovery process far more serious than the typical bumps and bruises of the sport.
At one point, doctors told Lawrence he might never ride bulls again. This was devastating for the young talent.
Lawrence had qualified for Las Vegas as a rookie and finished eighth in the world standings, highlighted by a Round 2 win that signaled the arrival of a talented rising star. San Antonio had played a pivotal role in that season, where he won some big money that helped secure that first trip to the Thomas & Mack Center.
Then, almost overnight, everything changed for Lawrence.
The injury not only threatened his career but also forced him to confront the mental battle that often follows severe trauma. The rodeo community rallied around him during recovery, offering much support as he worked his way back physically and mentally. For months, the question still lingered. Would Jeter climb on a bull ever again?
In 2026 now, that question has been answered. Jeter Lawrence is so back.
Lawrence captured the title at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Xtreme Bulls, part of the Rank 45 Xtreme Bulls Series. This is a big win.
In Round 1, he drew Stockyards ProRodeo’s Insurrection, a well known NFR bull. Lawrence rode with his typical confidence, matching the bull for an 87.5 point score to advance to the final round.
By the championship round, there was no uncertainty left that clouded his 2025 season. Paired with Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Richard Slam, Lawrence delivered once again. This secured the event win in just his second outing of the 2026 season. He was one of only three riders to make the 8 seconds in the final round.
This win came just after another strong performance. A night earlier, Lawrence placed fourth at the Georgia National Rodeo with an 86.5 point ride. 2026 is looking promising for Jeter.
At just 20 years old, Lawrence has already experienced both the highs and lows of professional bull riding. From qualifying for the NFR as a teenager to facing a potentially career-ending injury, his journey has unfolded rather quickly.
San Antonio has twice marked a bit of a turning point in his career. His rookie year it was a confidence booster and launch to his first NFR qualification, and now it serves as the site of a comeback few could have predicted a year ago.
For a rider once told he might never climb into a chute again, winning at one of the sport’s biggest stages is impressive. The rodeo world is glad to have Jeter back healthy and strong and in winning shape.
2026 is a comeback season already, could it be another NFR campaign too? Good luck Jeter. We are happy to see you climbing in the chutes again champ.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Xtreme Bulls Full Results
First round:
1. Brady Turgeon, 90 points on Stockyards ProRodeo's Cowtown Classic, $3,750
2. (tie) John Crimber and Jeter Lawrence, 87.5, $3,188 each
4. Hayes Weight, 86, $2,250
5. Clayton Sellars, 85.5, $1,500
6. (tie) Luke Mackey, Cimarron Rucker and Wacey Schalla, 84.5, $375 each
Finals:
1. Jeter Lawrence, 89 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo's Richard Slam, $9,325
2. (tie) Hunter Kelly and Clayton Sellars, 87.5, $4,675 each