Everybody who wants to be an elite roper has a goal to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo. That goal is hard to attain for any young rodeo athlete, much less a young man that wasn’t born and raised in North America. I couldn’t be more proud of my “adopted son” Marcos Costa. Marcos came to the United States from Brazil, didn’t know our culture, didn’t know our language, and didn’t know anything about Pro Rodeo other than what he had seen on TV.
Imagine having to get a driver’s license in a country where you can’t even read the test. Marcos left his family, his friends, and everything he knew to come to a foreign country and chase his dream. All Marcos knew was that he had a dream of making the National Finals. To see the journey from start to finish has been amazing. If you know me at all, you know that I truly LOVE to rope. I love the sport of calf roping. It has been my lifetime passion. I have a true appreciation and connection with people that have that same passion and drive. People have patted me on the back for giving Marcos a home and helping him rodeo, but Marcos has brought so much joy to my life. He inspires me daily. Not only is he a great person, a great roper, but he is also a great horseman. Marcos took a six-year-old green mare and not only made the National Finals on her, but won 2015 AQHA Horse of the Year.
For me, it’s inspired me to be more for others when called upon. Everybody is on his or her own journey and everybody has a dream. How many people do we come in contact with that we could probably help, even if it is only in a small way, move forward in achieving their goals or reaching their destiny? I’ve seen a lot of great things through the course of my career by watching other pro athletes’ careers. I’ve tried to help where I could, even if it is in a small way. It always amazes me how much you get back when you give. The floodgates open and bring so much joy and satisfaction.
Congratulations to all of the 2015 WNFR qualifiers, I am excited to watch this year’s NFR. Jen and I will be hosting the Wrangler NFR Countdown show again this year at the MGM Grand. You can catch the telecasts on the Wrangler Network. I am excited to announce my friend, Aaron Watson, will be singing and speaking at Elevation Sunday on Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand. His latest album has blown up the charts and I am amazed how every song speaks life to people.
Keep up with our social media for latest NFR updates.
God Bless and I’ll see ya down the line.
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