The 24 year-old bareback world champion was unexpectedly diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma after a rodeo injury led to further testing.
It was not supposed to be anything but a check up at the hospital after a bit of a rodeo wreck. World Champions are not the ones to get hung up typically, but it might be the biggest blessing in disguise for Dean Thompson.
The trip to the hospital turned into something no one saw coming. After getting hung up during a ride at Cave Creek, Thompson went in to get checked for a wrist injury and possible chest damage. What followed changed everything for the Utah cowboy.
During routine scans after an injury of that extent, doctors noticed something concerning. There was an unusual mass in Thompson's neck. Further testing and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis as Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
For a 24 year old World Champion in the prime of his career, it’s the kind of news that stops everything. It came without warning, no symptoms, no signs, and nothing that would have suggested something was wrong.
In fact, Dean even said that early bloodwork came back normal. However, if not for that wreck, if not for that trip to the ER, this cancer might not have been found when it was. In a way, the accident may be life saving.
Immediate action was taken. Thompson was admitted quickly and is set to begin chemotherapy immediately, with a treatment plan expected to last three to four months.
Doctors are moving fast, which in cases like this really matters. Burkitt’s Lymphoma is known for being aggressive, but it is also often highly treatable when caught early, which gives reason for optimism moving forward.
Still, there’s no way around it, this is a major setback.
Thompson, the 2024 PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion and a three-time NFR qualifier (2023–2025), was in the middle of another strong season, currently sitting inside the Top 15 in the world standings. Now, rodeo takes a backseat.
A Champion’s Mindset
Despite the diagnosis, Thompson’s response has been exactly what you’d expect from a world champion. This came out of nowhere, and mentally is likely still not all set in. But Thompson is taking this challenge in a clear and focused way.
He described the past few days as a whirlwind, but also pointed to the bigger picture, recognizing how fortunate he was that the issue was caught when it was.
Now, the focus shifts from the arena to treatment and recovery.
The Rodeo Community Rallies
Within hours of the news, support began pouring in from across the rodeo world.
Fellow cowboys, fans, and friends have all rallied behind Thompson and his family, lifting him up in prayer and standing behind one of their own.
In rodeo, moments like this go beyond competition. They become about people, about a family that stretches far beyond a hometown. The entire worldwide rodeo family stands with Dean as he begins treatment and his road back to the arena.
Dean Thompson has built his career on toughness, resilience, and the ability to rise to the moment. In 2024, no one saw him coming for that gold buckle. However, win after win and impressive consistency for ten straight rounds in Vegas, and he came out as the World Champion.
Now, he’s facing a different kind of challenge, and one that doesn’t come with a whistle or a score. It may be a different fight, and not one he has spent countless practice hours preparing for. But one thing has been made very clear, cancer picked the wrong guy. Thompson's career has show he how to win even when faced with the toughest of battles.
As we learn more, we will keep you updated on Dean.
Rodeo Roundtable and the entire rodeo family is sending prayers for healing, strength, and peace as the World Champion begins his treatment and healing process. We will see you in the chutes again soon champ!