J.B. Mauney stands as one of the most fearless competitors in professional bull riding history. The American professional bull rider transformed the sport through raw courage and unmatched determination. His journey from small-town North Carolina to becoming a PBR world champion twice showcases what true grit looks like in action.
The James Burton Mauney biography reveals a career built on risk-taking and relentless passion. This bull riding legend faced down the world’s toughest bulls while rewriting record books. His impact on the Professional Bull Riders circuit extends far beyond championships, inspiring a generation of competitors who followed his fearless approach.
J.B. Mauney Biography
Early Life
Born January 9, 1987, in Charlotte, North Carolina, James Burton Mauney grew up surrounded by rodeo culture. His family owned livestock, introducing him to animals early. By age three, he was already fascinated by bulls and rough stock riding.
The young cowboy started riding steers at local competitions before moving to bulls as a teenager. His natural talent became obvious quickly. Nobody expected this quiet kid would become one of the greatest bull riders of all time.
J.B. Mauney Age
| Year | Age | Milestone |
| 1987 | Born | January 9 in Charlotte |
| 2006 | 19 | PBR Rookie of the Year 2006 |
| 2013 | 26 | First PBR World Championship |
| 2024 | 37 | Announced retirement |
He competed at elite levels into his late thirties. J.B. Mauney kept riding despite accumulating injuries that would end most careers. His age never stopped his competitive fire.
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J.B. Mauney Height
Physical Stats:
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches
- Weight: 140 pounds
- Build: Lean, wiry strength
His compact frame worked perfectly for bull riding. The sport demands balance over bulk. J.B. Mauney proved that technique and heart matter more than size in the arena.
J.B. Mauney Young
Early Career Moments:
- Started competing professionally at 18
- Moved to Stephenville, Texas for training
- Learned from veteran cowboys
- Quickly earned reputation as fearless
- Won PBR Rookie of the Year 2006 in debut season
The J.B. Mauney bull rider showed unusual maturity from the start. He took risks other rookies avoided. His willingness to ride any bull, anytime, anywhere set him apart immediately.
Professional Career
Contestant Career
J.B. Mauney dominated the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit for nearly two decades. He won two world championships in 2013 and 2015. His career earnings exceeded $7 million, making him the winningest bull rider in PBR history.
He competed in the Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) consistently, qualifying for the PBR World Finals multiple times. His riding style emphasized aggression and control. The rodeo cowboy career included victories at major events across North America.
Career Highlights:
| Achievement | Year | Details |
| PBR World Championship 2013 | 2013 | First title victory |
| PBR World Championship 2015 | 2015 | Second title win |
| Career Earnings | 2006-2023 | $7.4 million total |
| 90-Point Rides | Career | Most in PBR history |
He also competed in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), appearing at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). His versatility across both circuits proved his exceptional skill.
J.B. Mauney Bull (Famous Bulls & Rides)
Legendary Matchups:
- Bushwacker bull: Rode him successfully when few could
- Asteroid bull: Multiple attempts, intense rivalry
- Arctic Assassin bull: Scored 95.25 points
- Air Time: Dominated this famous bull
- SweetPro’s Bruiser: Historic battles
The J.B. Mauney bull matchups became must-see events. He rode Bushwacker, considered nearly unrideable, earning massive respect. His approach to championship bull riding meant never backing down from tough draws.
J.B. Mauney Last Ride
His final ride came in 2024 after a devastating injury. The rodeo retirement story ended at a regular season event, not the grand finale he deserved. Years of punishment finally caught up.
He walked away with his head high. The J.B. Mauney last ride symbolized his entire career: tough, determined, and on his own terms. Fans worldwide mourned the end of an era.
Achievements & Impact
Legacy
J.B. Mauney revolutionized modern bull riding through fearless innovation. His aggressive riding style changed how competitors approached the sport. He proved that calculated risks could rewrite rodeo sports history and inspire future generations.
His influence extends beyond statistics. Young riders study his technique and mental approach. The bull riding legend showed that championships come from facing fears head-on and never settling for safe choices.
Impact Areas:
- Most 90-point rides in PBR history
- Highest career earnings in bull riding records
- Changed safety standards through advocacy
- Mentored countless young riders
Honors
Recognition & Awards:
| Honor | Year | Significance |
| Bull Riding Hall of Fame | 2024 | First ballot inductee |
| PBR Ring of Honor | 2024 | Lifetime achievement |
| PRCA Circuit Finals | Multiple | Top competitor |
He received recognition from both the PBR and PRCA organizations. His contributions to rodeo athlete achievements earned universal respect. The Oklahoma Wildcatters hired him as coach, proving his continued relevance.
Personal Life & Off the Field
Personal Life
J.B. Mauney maintains a relatively private life outside competition. He focuses on family and ranching in North Carolina. His down-to-earth personality contrasts with his wild riding style in the arena.
He enjoys hunting, fishing, and working with livestock on his property. Friends describe him as loyal and straightforward. Despite fame, he never lost his small-town values or changed his approach to life.
J.B. Mauney Wife
Family Details:
- Married to Samantha Lyne (fellow rodeo athlete)
- Previous marriage ended in divorce
- Father to two children
- Keeps family life private
- Resides in North Carolina
His wife Samantha understands the demands of rodeo life. She competed in barrel racing before focusing on family. Their relationship provides stability after years of constant travel and competition pressure.
Challenges & Setbacks
J.B. Mauney Injury
The J.B. Mauney injury list reads like a medical textbook. He suffered broken bones, concussions, torn ligaments, and internal injuries throughout his career. His body absorbed punishment that would sideline most athletes permanently.
Major injuries included a broken leg that required multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. He also dealt with numerous broken ribs, shoulder separations, and neck problems. The bull riding injuries accumulated faster than his body could recover.
Injury Timeline:
| Year | Injury | Recovery Time |
| 2013 | Broken leg | 6 months |
| 2017 | Shoulder surgery | 4 months |
| 2019 | Multiple fractures | Season ending |
| 2024 | Knee injury | Career ending |
His refusal to quit despite constant pain defined his career. Each comeback proved his dedication to championship bull riding. The injuries ultimately forced retirement, but they never broke his spirit.
Financial Overview
J.B. Mauney Net Worth
Financial Breakdown:
| Category | Estimated Value |
| J.B. Mauney net worth | $6 million |
| Career Earnings | $7.4 million |
| Endorsements | Multiple sponsors |
| Coaching Income | Oklahoma Wildcatters |
His wealth comes primarily from prize money earned during competition years. The American rodeo history shows few riders accumulated comparable earnings. Smart investments and endorsement deals supplemented competition income throughout his career.
Income Sources:
- PBR event winnings and bonuses
- Sponsorship deals with major brands
- Coaching position with PBR Team Series
- Appearance fees and speaking engagements
- Cattle ranching operations
He manages finances conservatively despite high earnings. Unlike some athletes, J.B. Mauney invested wisely and avoided extravagant spending. His net worth reflects years of hard work and smart financial decisions.
Conclusion
J.B. Mauney transformed professional bull riding through unprecedented courage and skill. His two world championships and record-breaking earnings cement his place among the greatest bull riders of all time. The injuries he endured and overcame showcase determination that transcends sports, inspiring fans worldwide to face their own challenges head-on.
His retirement marks the end of an era in rodeo sports history, but his legacy continues through coaching and mentorship. Young riders still study J.B. Mauney bull rider footage, learning from his technique and fearless approach. He proved that greatness comes from refusing to back down, even when facing the most dangerous bulls in the world.
