Ron Kantowski

With the exception of last season, Stetson Wright has been a runaway winner of the all-around cowboy competition that culminates at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Patrick Henry Brady is one of five Vietnam veterans who will be honored during this year's NFR, men whose bravery often proved that ‘discretion is the better part of valor' at the Thomas Mack.

If one were to summarize Shane Hanchey's career at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, it might be one shining moment, followed by many happy returns.

They called him the “Super Looper” — partly because it rhymed with his surname, but mostly because when it came to tying down calves in dusty rodeo arenas, that's exactly what Roy Cooper was.

At 24 years old, Jeremiah Neal has only just begun to experience the ups and downs that ultimately define a life. However, there already have been a few of those that he won't forget.

Jonathan Torres has become the poster child among the split-partner combos. The 33-year-old heeler is competing in his fourth NFR.

For the second time since becoming a professional cowboy in 2007, Hooper entered the NFR as the 15th and final qualifier. He and Mason Clements, 33, who was slotted 14th, are the only riders over 30 competing in a field whose average age is 25.2.

Former Washington State quarterback Jesse Brown figures he made the right decision to quit football and embark on a pro rodeo career.

Las Vegas has produced champions in almost every corner of the sporting world, but few remained as closely connected to their hometown as Kyle Busch.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway wasn't always kind to Kyle Busch. But that didn't preclude the Las Vegas native from giving his hometown fans some moments to cherish while racing at home.