Over the last five years, 23-year-old T.J. Gray has worked hard to perfect his bull riding craft. And he is now starting to reap the rewards.
The Dairy, Ore., cowboy has proven one thing true in the 2025 PRORODEO season — his consistency.
“The consistency of being at this rodeo and the time I’ve put in is starting to pay off,” Gray said. “Your perspective changes, and your reason for why changes, which I think is a big factor.”
Routinely finding himself at the top of the leaderboard and cashing checks this season, Gray’s win with 175 points on two head at the Cactus Jacks Xtreme Bull Riding in Uvalde, Texas, on May 3 proved no different.
“You fall into a rhythm and expect more from yourself,” Gray said. “This time of year, we’re on a roll, but we’ll slow down slightly. Go to a few rodeos throughout May and make sure we’re feeling good come June and into the summer.”
Gray scored 86 points in the Round 1 aboard New Star Pro Rodeo’s Bill Dog. The mark was good for fourth and set Gray up for his second go. Though, his draw made it a bit more challenging.
Gray drew Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Red Bone, a bull that has only been ridden once before this season at the Nacogdoches (Texas) Pro Rodeo in March. Gray wasn’t too familiar with Red Bone but made the most of his ride.
He scored 89 points against Red Bone, putting him comfortably in the lead for the average.
Gray – and all other cowboys – were unable to cover the short round. Even so, his point total was enough to win the Cactus Jack Xtreme Bulls title and add more than $10,000 to his season earnings, further solidifying his spot near the top of the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings.
While wins are always nice, Gray said the friendships in PRORODEO makes every outing special.
“One of the big parts I love about rodeoing is you’re with friends,” Gray said, “and everyone is doing what they love.”
Full Results:
First round: 1. Dustin Boquet on Oliver Anthony, 90.5 points, $4,301; 2. Ruger Piva, 89, $3,297; 3. Luke Mast, 86.5, $2,437; 4. TJ Gray, 86, $1,577; 5. XMan Antez Antez, 85.5, $1,003; 6. Mason Moody, 84, $717; 7. Clayton Sellars, 83.5, $573; 8. T Parker, 82.5, $430. Second round: 1. Bryce Jensen on Top Gun, 89.5 points, $4,301; 2. TJ Gray, 89, $3,297; 3. Scott Wells, 88, $2,437; 4. (tie) Tristen Hutchings and Cooper James, 87.5, $1,290 each; 6. Luke Mackey, 86, $717; 7. Hudson Bolton, 85.5, $573; 8. Clayton Sellars, 85, $430. Finals: No qualified rides. Average: 1. TJ Gray, 175 points on two head, $4,301; 2. Clayton Sellars, 168.5, $3,297; 3. Cooper James, 167.5, $2,437; 4. Tristen Hutchings, 163.5, $1,577; 5. Wade Tuni, 161.5, $1,003; 6. Avery Mullins, 155.5, $717; 7. Dustin Boquet, 90.5 on one head, $573; 8. Bryce Jensen, 89.5, $430.
Total payoff: $57,340. Stock Contractors: Stockyards ProRodeo, New Star Pro Rodeo, Pete Carr Pro Rodeo and United Pro Rodeo. Rodeo Secretary: Sandy Gwatney. Officials: Glenn Sullivan, Cliff Overstreet and Mark Longoria. Timer: Sandy Gwatney. Announcers: West Huggins and Steve Kenyon. Bullfighters: Richard Ratley, Riley McKettrick and Tanner Zarnetski. Clown/Barrelman: Jason Farley. Pickup Men: James Rogers and Aaron Hudson. Music Director: Jill Franzen Loden. Photographers: Will Jennings, David Jennings and Amanda Dilworth.
