On Tuesday, two rodeo legends were inducted into the RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame: champion bull rider Ty Murray and legendary bucking bull Bodacious.
The RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and animal athletes whose achievements have helped shape the sport of rodeo and the history of RODEOHOUSTON. The ceremony took place on the second floor of NRG Center in front of the Hall of Fame’s permanent display.
The pair represent the unique partnership between rodeo livestock and the athletes who ride them, each playing a defining role in the sport.
Murray earned multiple RODEOHOUSTON championship titles during his career, including All-Around Champion in 1990, 1993, 1994 and 1998, and Bull Riding Champion in 1990 and 1994. One of the last competitors to win the all-around title at RODEOHOUSTON, Murray is widely regarded as one of rodeo’s most accomplished athletes.
He is also a co-founder of Professional Bull Riders, established in 1992, and was inducted into the PBR Hall of Fame in 2002 after retiring from competition.
“To get recognized — in any way, really — is special,” Murray said. “I look at the other people on that wall with me, and they are all incredible people in this sport. I feel very grateful.”
A fifth-generation cowboy, Murray dreamed of becoming a rodeo athlete from a young age. After a career that spanned 15 years and more than 6,000 rides on rough stock, he retired in 2002.
Murray said he will never forget walking into the Astrodome for the first time at age 18, adding that RODEOHOUSTON was one of the rodeos he looked forward to each year.
Often referred to as the “most dangerous bull in rodeo history,” Bodacious became the first animal athlete inducted into the RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame. His career gained national attention after he began competing at RODEOHOUSTON in 1992 at the Astrodome. With only eight qualified rides out of 135 outs, Bodacious quickly earned a reputation as one of rodeo’s most formidable bucking bulls.
Known for his high vertical leaps, powerful forward lunge and unmatched strength, Bodacious was retired in 1995. Today, his legacy continues through his bloodline, with offspring competing in bull riding events across the country.
“The best animals elevate the competition and challenge the best riders,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “Animal athletes reflect the heart of RODEOHOUSTON, and Bodacious is a great example of that.”
Sammy Andrews, Bodacious’ owner, accepted the award on behalf of the bull and thanked the Rodeo and those who supported Bodacious throughout his career.
The 2026 inductees celebrate the grit, power and spirit that define both the sport of rodeo and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Rodeo guests can visit the Legends of the Arena display, located near Section 133 in NRG Stadium, where the Hall of Fame exhibit will be featured for the next six months.