After a round 1 win, a freak accident in Fort Worth injured saddle bronc rider Jacobs Crawley.
In the rodeo world, everyone knows that it can all turn in an instant. Wednesday night inside Dickies Arena was a stark reminder of just how quickly things can change.
Veteran saddle bronc rider Jacobs Crawley was helped from the arena after a terrifying wreck during Round 2 of Bracket 3 at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. He suffered injuries that will sideline him as he recovers.
Crawley climbed in the chutes after a round win. Less than 24 hours earlier, the 2015 world champion had won Round 1 of his bracket with an 86 point ride, putting himself in prime position to advance and build on what had been a strong showing in Fort Worth so far. But Round 2 unfolded in a way no one ever wants to see.
From a rodeo standpoint, this was the kind of wreck every bronc rider understands and fears.
As Crawley’s horse came out of the chute, it lost its footing and went down hard. When a saddle bronc falls, the danger escalates immediately. The horse rolled, and Crawley was caught in the worst possible scenario with his back-side foot stayed hung in the stirrup. When the horse got back to its feet, Crawley was drug several jumps before the momentum finally stopped.
Guys know that a hung foot leaves no clean escape, and Crawley took a heavy impact when the horse came down on him during the fall. The arena went completely silent as he struggled to catch his breath before being assisted to his feet and helped from the arena.
Seeing Crawley walk out on his own two feet was a huge sigh of relief for fans. However, it was obvious there was injuries that needed attention.
Medical staff responded immediately, and Crawley was taken to the Justin Sportsmedicine Team Room before being transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
According to information shared by rodeo journalist Kendra Santos, there were no signs of any internal bleeding, but the impact fractured two vertebrae in Crawley’s back, both of which had been previously fused.
A 10-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, NFR average winner and world champion, Crawley underwent major spinal surgery following a serious accident in 2023 and spent more than a year away from competition before returning to form in 2025.
Despite the severity of the wreck, Crawley avoided what could have been a far worse outcome. Crawley shared that the fact that the horse’s weight did not land squarely on his spine likely prevented catastrophic injury.
Crawley himself later addressed the incident on social media, expressing gratitude that the injuries were not more serious and thanking medical personnel, fellow competitors, friends and family for their support.
"Last night didn’t go as planned (not my plan at least). After winning the first round of my set, my second round horse lost his feet and we took a tumble. I ended up fracturing two vertebra in my back but everything else internally checked out. But I’m so thankful. Thankful that Jesus protected me from it being worse. Thankful for everyone at the rodeo that helped out. Thankful for the texts and calls from friends and love ones. I love all of you. It means more than you know. Just so very thankful.Life is short. Love Jesus. Love people."
Technically, Crawley qualified for the Wild Card Round in Fort Worth based on his Round 1 win, even without earning money in Round 2. However, with fractured vertebrae and a recovery timeline expected to last several weeks, he is not expected to compete further at this rodeo.
At 37 years old, Crawley remains one of the most respected figures in saddle bronc riding, with more than $2 million in career earnings and a reputation built on toughness and longevity.
One of the most meaningful moments of the night came immediately after the wreck. The next cowboy called was Waitley Sharon, a 20-year-old rookie who rode with composure after watching his friend and mentor go down bad just before. Sharon responded with a huge 88 point ride to win the round, secure the bracket title and advance in Fort Worth.
Crawley has served as the saddle bronc specialty coach at Tarleton State University, a program widely regarded as one of the strongest collegiate rodeo programs in the country. Under the coaching of Crawley, Sharon won the Southwest Region title last year and qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo, making the moment a full-circle one.
Wednesday night’s incident was a reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sport these cowboys and cowgirls play and the fine line these guys walk every time they nod their head.
Further updates on Crawley’s condition will be shared as they become available.
Healing prayers sent to Mr. Crawley from all of us at Rodeo Roudtable.