Clint Branger

Branger was the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association bull riding titlist in 1985, and then turned pro. Despite that auspicious beginning, he retired in 2000 without a world title. His peers agree that he may be the greatest bull rider never to wear the crown. In 1988, he began traveling with Lane Frost, Tuff Hedeman and Jim Sharp. Two years later, he nearly won a world title when Outlaw Willie bucked him off in the 10th round of the NFR. He finished second in the world standings behind Jim Sharp. He was third in 1992, the same year he and 19 others agreed to invest $1,000 each to form the PBR. Ted Nuce, Ty Murray, Troy Dunn, Jerome Davis, Sharp, Moraes and Hedeman all won titles during his career, and still Clint Branger means as much to bull riding as those who wear a gold buckle. Still wiry in stature, he’ll always be remembered for being fundamentally sound and for rarely getting pulled out of position. He was able to ride every type of bull he drew. Even today, many of the top riders look up to Branger – Dustin Elliott among them -pattern their own careers after his, and try to emulate his picture-perfect style. He retired in early 2000.