Heartbreaking: J.B Mauney American Bull Rider Just Passed Away At the Aged of 38….see..more……

Heartbreaking: J.B Mauney American Bull Rider Just Passed Away At the Aged of 38….see..more……

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**James Burton “J.B.” Mauney** (born January 9, 1987, in Charlotte, North Carolina) emerged as one of the most fearless and accomplished figures in professional bull riding ([en.wikipedia.org][1]). At just 13, he rode his first significant bull—an early sign of his future determination ([en.wikipedia.org][1]). He benefited from early encouragement: riding steers and livestock as a youth, winning junior rodeo titles by 2002, and securing the adult all‑around title in the Southern Rodeo Association in 2004 ([kids.kiddle.co][2]).

 

In January 2005, on his 18th birthday, Mauney turned professional, quickly claiming a \$10,000 victory in his first event ([cowboysindians.com][3]). The following year, he opted to compete full-time in the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) circuit, earning **Rookie of the Year in 2006**, along with the Challenger Tour title ([en.wikipedia.org][1]).

 

Mauney’s hallmark: he *always* chose the toughest bulls. He famously proclaims, **“If you want to be the best, you’ve got to ride the best.”** His reputation earned him the nickname **“The Dragonslayer”**, particularly for conquering elite bulls considered nearly impossible to ride ([en.wikipedia.org][1]). One of Mauney’s career-defining moments came in August 2013 when he became one of only three riders to ride **Bushwacker**, a three-time PBR World Champion bull, scoring 95.25 points and ending the bull’s notorious streak of buck-offs ([en.wikipedia.org][1]).

 

Over his PBR career, Mauney amassed an astounding record:

 

* **Two PBR world championships** (2013 & 2015), along with titles at PBR World Finals (2009 & 2013) ([washingtonpost.com][4], [en.wikipedia.org][1]).

* **32 Built Ford Tough Series (Premier) event wins**, tying with Justin McBride for the most ever ([pbr.com][5]).

* Over **75 rides scoring 90+ points**, ranking third all-time in PBR history ([en.wikipedia.org][1]).

* Earned more than **\$7.4 million** from PBR and PRCA events, making him the first “Seven-Million-Dollar Man” in the sport .

* Qualified for **15 consecutive PBR World Finals** (2006–2020), tied for second-most in history .

 

Mauney also set multiple streaks and records: a career-high **16 consecutive qualified rides**, later surpassed; second-most round wins in a season (19 rounds in 2013); and the distinction of riding **every World‑Champion bull from 2007 to 2018** ([pbr.com][5]). His grit was legendary—riding many events while injured. In one 2017 competition, he performed with a broken leg and torn knee ligaments, going a perfect 3‑for‑3 ([pbr.com][5]).

 

Unfortunately, injuries eventually caught up. In September 2023, during a PRCA event, Mauney was bucked off the bull **Arctic Assassin** and suffered a fractured neck. A few days later, he announced his retirement, acknowledging the severity and risk of further injury ([kids.kiddle.co][2]).

 

Outside of competition, Mauney has a rich personal life. He married Samantha Lyne in 2017—daughter of five-time PRCA champion Phil Lyne—and they have a son (born January 2019). He also has an older daughter from a previous marriage to Lexie Wiggly (2012–2015) ([en.wikipedia.org][1]). After living in North Carolina and Texas, he settled with his family on a ranch in Stephenville, Texas, from early 2022 ([en.wikipedia.org][1]).

 

In 2023, the PBR ranked Mauney the **ninth greatest bull rider** in its 30-year history; he was later inducted into the **Bull Riding Hall of Fame** in May 2024 ([en.wikipedia.org][1]). In 2024, he made a high-profile return to the sport—as **head coach** of the Oklahoma Wildcatters in the inaugural PBR Team Series, guiding the team through its debut season ([en.wikipedia.org][1]).

 

**Legacy:** J.B. Mauney is often cited as “the greatest bull rider of his generation”—praised by peers like Justin McBride—and admired for his unmatched combination of courage, technique, and heart . Whether for the drama of riding Bushwacker, his 500+ rides, or his refusal to back down—even injured—Mauney embodies the spirit of the sport.

 

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