Two-time NFR qualifier JR Stratford announced his retirement from bull riding following a serious vehicle accident.

At just 24 years old, JR Stratford is facing an unexpected end to his professional bull riding career after a pickup truck accident on October 26 left him with significant spinal injuries.

The wreck resulted in damage to his C5 and C6 vertebrae, along with fractures that placed pressure on his spinal cord. Stratford underwent surgery at OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where surgeons stabilized his spine with two cages and seven screws.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Stratford shared some encouraging news on Monday, November 2. He has begun regaining sensation and movement following surgery and has already been able to walk the hospital hallways.

While his recovery is progressing, doctors’ concerns about the risks of returning to bull riding have brought his competitive career to a close.

Stratford first qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2022, finishing 12th in the world despite an injury-shortened Finals appearance. He returned to Las Vegas in 2025 and delivered some of the strongest performances of his career, accumulating 370.5 points on four bulls through the first six rounds before another injury sidelined him. He ultimately finished the season ranked eighth in the world with a career-best $271,892 in earnings.

Now, Stratford’s focus has shifted from the arena to recovery and finding his next place in the sport that has been such a significant part of his life.

The outpouring of support from the rodeo community has been a source of encouragement throughout his hospitalization, and Stratford remains hopeful that his future will still involve the Western industry.

Although his time competing inside the arena has come to an earlier end than anyone anticipated, Stratford has plenty to be thankful for as he continues making progress toward recovery.

From all of us at US Cowboy, we’re wishing JR continued healing and success in whatever comes next.