PRORODEO Sports News - June 1, 2026

GOD’S COUNTRY To many Ada natives, the town’s location is ideal. Nearly two hours southeast of Oklahoma City, Ada sits several miles east of Interstate 35, sharing land with the Chickasaw Nation, which has its headquarters in town. The dis tance from a major interstate creates separation in many ways, something the locals enjoy to preserve the small town, blue-collar feel. “It’s a gritty town where people value hard work, family and church,” Eaton said. “We have core values we can instill in all our kids and through generations. We celebrate the hard work and culture that comes from the Ada area.” For some, the hard-working men tality has paid off in major ways. Jeremy Shockey was a star tight end for Ada High School’s football team before he graduated in 1999. He went on to earn first-team All-American honors at the University of Miami and was selected by the New York Giants in the 2002 NFL Draft at No. 14 overall. Shockey was named to the NFL Pro Bowl four times. He’s also a two-time Super Bowl Champion, winning his first with the Giants and second with the New Orleans Saints. Five years before Shockey, anoth er star walked the halls of Ada High

The water tower in Ada, Okla., is a landmark for the small southeastern Oklahoma town, where blue-collar residents take pride in where they come from. Photo courtesy Ada News

School. A 1994 graduate, Blake Shelton has always shared the love he has for his home state of Oklahoma through his music. The country music star still has a ranch with his wife, Gwen Stefani, 45 minutes south of his hometown. Just like he depicts in his hit single, “God’s Country,” there’s something special about Ada. “Magical things happen in Ada and to the people there,” Shelton said. “There’s been some crazy talent that has come out of Ada. I can’t really sit here and go, ‘Here’s why,’ because I don’t know if anybody can really ex plain it to my satisfaction. I don’t know what it is. People say there’s something in the water. That’s a pretty generic thing to say, but maybe this time, there’s something to that.”

Country music star Blake Shelton, a graduate of Ada High School, shares his love for his hometown and state of Oklahoma in his music. Photos courtesy Ada News

JUNE 1, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 25