Is J.B. Mauney Retired? The Shocking Truth About The $7.4 Million Bull Rider’s 2024 Comeback Role

Yes, J.B. Mauney is officially retired from professional bull riding. The legendary cowboy, often called “The Dragon Slayer,” announced the end of his illustrious 18-year career in September 2023, following a devastating, career-ending neck injury sustained during a competition. This news sent shockwaves through the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) communities, closing the book on one of the toughest careers in rodeo history.

The good news for fans is that while the two-time PBR World Champion is no longer competing in the arena, his journey in the sport is far from over. As of late 2024, Mauney has transitioned into a high-profile coaching role, ensuring his unparalleled knowledge and grit continue to shape the next generation of bull riding champions, cementing his legacy beyond the 8-second ride.

J.B. Mauney: A Biography of 'The Dragon Slayer'

James Burton Mauney is widely considered the greatest bull rider of his generation, known for his fearless approach and ability to ride the rankest bulls in the world. His career was defined by a relentless drive and an almost supernatural ability to withstand injuries.

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• Full Name: James Burton Mauney
• Date of Birth: January 9, 1987
• Place of Birth: Charlotte, North Carolina (raised in Mooresville)
• PBR Career: 2005–2023
• Nickname: The Dragon Slayer
• PBR World Championships: Two-time Champion (2013, 2015)
• PBR World Finals Event Champion: 2009, 2013
• Career Earnings: PBR All-Time Career Earnings Leader (over $7.4 million)
• Major Record: First rider to cover all eight bulls at the PBR World Finals (2009)

Mauney’s career saw him achieve milestones that many believed were impossible. He was the first bull rider to surpass $7 million in career earnings, a testament to his consistency and dominance in the sport. His rivalry with legendary bulls like Bushwacker and Asteroid became the stuff of legend, with Mauney being one of the few to conquer these unrideable beasts.

The Brutal Injury That Forced His Retirement in 2023

For a man who had endured countless broken bones, concussions, and surgeries—including a broken leg, a broken collarbone, and a severely injured shoulder—it was a spinal injury that ultimately forced J.B. Mauney to hang up his rope. The final, career-ending ride occurred in September 2023.

The incident took place during the ProRodeo xBulls event at the Lewiston Roundup in Lewiston, Idaho. Mauney was bucked off by a bull named Arctic Assassin. The landing was catastrophic, resulting in a broken neck.

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Details of the Career-Ending Injury and Surgery

The severity of the injury was immediately apparent. Mauney was diagnosed with a broken neck that required extensive cervical surgery. The procedure involved removing a disk, inserting a plate, rods, and screws to stabilize his spine. The recovery from this type of injury is arduous, and the risk of further damage was too great for the 36-year-old to continue competing at an elite level.

A week after the accident, Mauney officially announced his retirement via social media. He stated that while he loved the sport and the cowboy lifestyle, his body had finally told him enough was enough. The decision was a pragmatic one, prioritizing his long-term health and ability to be a father and husband.

In a bizarre and fascinating twist that speaks to his deep connection to the sport, Mauney later revealed that he had purchased the bull, Arctic Assassin, that ended his career. This move is a perfect encapsulation of the cowboy ethos—respect for the animal, even the one that defeated him.

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J.B. Mauney’s New Role: Coaching the Oklahoma Wildcatters (2024 Update)

While the riding chapter of his life is closed, J.B. Mauney has quickly found a new, high-impact role that keeps him central to the sport. In a major announcement for the PBR Teams League, Mauney returned to the organization in 2024, not as a competitor, but as a leader.

He was named the Head Coach for the Oklahoma Wildcatters, one of the league's newest expansion teams. This transition is a significant boost for the Wildcatters and the league as a whole, as Mauney brings an unparalleled level of experience and competitive fire to the coaching box.

The Impact of 'The Dragon Slayer' as a Coach

Mauney’s coaching style is expected to be as aggressive and determined as his riding. His reputation as a man who never backed down from a challenge—earning the nickname “The Dragon Slayer” for his ability to conquer previously unridden bulls—will serve as a powerful motivator for his riders.

His deep understanding of the mental and physical demands of the sport is invaluable. He can teach the intricacies of the 8-second ride, from the proper technique on the chute gate to the mental toughness required to face a bull like Bushwacker or Asteroid.

In the PBR Teams format, where strategic decisions and team morale are crucial, Mauney’s presence provides an instant foundation of grit and championship pedigree. The Oklahoma Wildcatters are now seen as a serious contender, leveraging the knowledge of the all-time earnings leader to guide their roster.

The Legacy of J.B. Mauney: More Than Just a Champion

J.B. Mauney’s impact on professional bull riding extends far beyond his two PBR World Championships in 2013 and 2015. He was the sport’s biggest draw, a cowboy who embraced the danger and the spectacle, always choosing the rankest bull for the final round.

His career is often compared to other greats like Justin McBride and Silvano Alves, but Mauney’s style—a blend of raw athletic ability and sheer will—puts him in a class of his own. He was the embodiment of the fearless, traditional cowboy spirit, a true icon in the world of rodeo.

The fact that he continues to contribute to the sport through coaching the Oklahoma Wildcatters ensures that his legacy is not just one of past glory, but one of continued influence. While the curtain has fallen on his competitive career, the legend of J.B. Mauney—the man who rode the unrideable and earned more money than any other—will forever be etched in the history of the Professional Bull Riders.