A legendary cowboy and one of the most famous bulls in history were inducted into the RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame in 2026.
The 2026 RODEOHOUSTON wrapped up in a big way with champions being crowned after an action packed finals. The legendary rodeo continues to build to its historical run as the biggest regular season rodeo.
We watched as records were set in the rodeo and in the livestock sale ring. This year, there was another a big moment outside of the arena as two very important rodeo figures were inducted into the rodeo's Hall of Fame.
These two names have undeniably helped define the sport. Ty Murray and Bodacious were inducted into the RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame, receiving highest of honors. In a sport that is built on both athletes and animal power, it felt fitting that both were recognized together because few have left a mark quite like they did.
A Legacy Built by Ty Murray
When you talk about greatness in rodeo, Ty Murray’s name is always part of the conversation.
Murray is a a seven-time PRCA World Champion All-Around Cowboy. He totally dominated the rough stock events in the late 1980's and 1990's. In 1990, he did something almost unheard of, qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in three events.
Some could compare Ty to rodeos "Superman" Stetson Wright who is the all around cowboy of todays generation. Wright and Wacey Schalla both qualified in 2025 to the NFR in two events. You could compare him to Trevor Brazile known as the King of the Cowboys for his dominance in three events as well. However, Murray did this in the rough stock which is arguably a tougher feat yet. No matter who you try to compare Murray to, there is no one quite like him.
Murray alos was a multiple-time RODEOHOUSTON champion, including All-Around titles and bull riding wins. Beyond competition himself, he also helped shape the future of the sport as a co-founder of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) in 1992.
The Legend of Bodacious
Then there’s Bodacious who is a name that goes far beyond rodeo. Even people who don’t follow the sport know it. Bodacious wasn’t just a good bull, he was different.
Widely regarded as one of the rankest and most dangerous bulls in rodeo history, Bodacious earned PRCA Bucking Bull of the Year honors in 1994 and 1995 and built a reputation that few animals ever have. His numbers tell part of the story, with more than 130 outs with only eight qualified rides.
Owner Sammy Andrews retired the amazing bull at the NFR in 1995 after the bull caused severe injuries to riders, including Tuff Hedeman and Scott Breding, to prevent potential fatalities.
A Shared Impact on Rodeo
The RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame recognizes those who have helped shape the sport and its history. This year, it honored something unique, not just a cowboy, and not just a bull, but also the relationship between the two.
Murray rode Bodacious three times in his career. Two legends, and two names that helped define the sport of rodeo.
Bodacious also made history as the first animal inducted into the RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame. Sammy Andrews accepted the award with honor.
Today, his legacy continues through his bloodline, with offspring still competing across the country while Murray’s influence continues through the sport he helped grow.
This really goes to show that rodeo isn’t just about what happens in the arena today, it’s about the names, the moments, and the legends that built it.
This year at RODEOHOUSTON, two of the greatest were honored exactly where they belong.