One of the traditions I’ve carried with me through rodeo is giving away custom back numbers to kids in the crowd.

Before each rodeo, I track down as many riders as I can and have them sign a custom high-quality back number. I wear that number on my vest when I ride, and as soon as I step off my bronc, I head straight toward the stands to find a kid to give it to.

It’s a small thing, but moments like that can mean a lot. For a young fan, getting a signed back number from the riders they just watched can turn a night at the rodeo into something they remember for the rest of their lives.

To me, rodeo has always been about more than just the riders. It’s about the fans, the families in the stands, and especially the kids who might be seeing the sport for the first time.

If something as simple as a signed back number helps make rodeo more personal, more fun, and maybe inspires the next generation of riders or fans, then it’s well worth it.

Because at the end of the day, rodeo grows when fans feel like they’re part of it.