J.R. Stratford Steps Away From Bull Riding at 24 Following Spinal Surgery

Two-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier J.R. Stratford is stepping away from professional bull riding at 24 after a car wreck left him with serious spinal injuries and brought his riding career to an unexpected end.

According to social media posts by Steve Stratford, JR was involved in a pickup truck accident on Monday, Oct. 26, sustaining injuries to his C5 and C6 vertebrae. The wreck caused broken bone fragments to put pressure on his spine, requiring surgery at OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

The procedure involved fusing the two vertebrae, placing two cages and seven screws to stabilize his spine and removing the broken bone fragments. The surgery was successful, and by Nov. 2, Stratford was already walking the hospital hallways and beginning to regain feeling and mobility.

Although his recovery is progressing, the damage to his spine means returning to bull riding would no longer be safe. At just 24, Stratford now faces a future outside the sport he spent years competing in at the highest level.

Stratford first qualified for the NFR in 2022, finishing 12th in the PRCA World Standings. His first trip to Las Vegas was cut short by an injury in Round 4, but was highlighted with a big 90-point ride for a round win. 

He returned to the NFR in 2025 and put together a strong start. Stratford marked 370.5 points on four head through the first six rounds before another injury forced him out of the final four rounds.

Despite missing the end of the NFR, Stratford finished eighth in the world standings with a career best $271,892 in earnings. It was the best season of his career and his second qualification for the sport's biggest stage.

Both trips to Las Vegas came with their share of challenges, but Stratford had established himself as one of the top bull riders in the PRCA before the October accident changed the direction of his career.

Stratford is now focused on recovery and figuring out what comes next. While his competitive bull riding days are over, he hopes to remain connected to the rodeo industry in some capacity.

The support from the rodeo community following the accident has been encouraging as he begins to adjust to life beyond competition. Friends, fellow contestants and members of the rodeo world have rallied around him during his recovery.

At 24, Stratford has a new road ahead of him, one that will look much different than the career he had planned. His two NFR qualifications and accomplishments in the arena mark an important chapter in his life, even as he begins to consider what the next one will hold.

Rodeo Roundtable sends our get-well wishes and prayers to JR.