PRORODEO Sports News March 2026 Digital Edition

Bob Tallman ends 50-year run as announcer at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo By Zach Alvira

B ob Tallman’s voice is one of the most iconic in PRORODEO. It’s unmistakable. From the deep tone to the clever commentary and pure passion for the sport, Tallman has built a legacy that is recognized across the United States, Canada and the world in relation to West ern sports. He was a mainstay at several of the PRCA’s biggest events, including the National Finals Rodeo 17 times. But one rodeo is a little closer to his heart than others: The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. “For 40 years I’ve lived here (in Fort Worth),” said Tallman who was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2004. “I believe in Texas and what it does. For 50 years I’ve felt and tasted complete success at the end of every run. I used to always quote, ‘This is a place I wish that never ended.’ I’m going to be here doing other things in the next few years.” Tallman’s five-decade long run of announcing the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo came to an end Feb. 7 inside Dickies Arena. Following Kincade Henry’s 7.2-second run to win the tie-down roping championship, 2021 PRCA Announc er of the Year Garrett Yerigan led the way in honoring Tallman. “In our world today, the term ‘icon,’

from the crowd. Tallman became emotional himself as he was honored with a special plaque commemorating his time as the voice of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. “It’s a learning process of how to survive under five decades of change, and it’s an honor,” Tallman said of working in Fort Worth for 50 years. “In the next five years, I’ll do it in three or four other places.” Tallman’s love for Fort Worth extended well beyond simply living in the city. From the countless performers, cowboys and records he saw broken at the iconic rodeo, it’s hard for him to pinpoint one specific moment that is better than the rest. But he was quick to note the people who have made it special. Many of those people now have kids or grand kids of their own. Plenty were in attendance in Fort Worth leading up to the championship round. All of them at some point greeted Tallman. Tallman’s career is not coming to an end by any means. He is simply moving to a different capacity with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo for the foreseeable future. He’s clearing the path for Yerigan and Lucia to take over, while still attending and being available to help in any way possible. Tallman will continue to announce at other rodeos across the country, too. He doesn’t know exactly when his career will come to an end as a whole. It’s not something he can even fathom to think about because his love for the sport of rodeo remains at fever pitch. Until then, Tallman’s famous line, ‘It’s time to buck ‘em and let’s buck ‘em

‘legend’ and ‘GOAT’ get thrown around way too easily,” Yerigan said. “But tonight, we want to pay tribute to a gentleman who embod ies each of those monikers and so much more. He is the man that truly has made the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo legendary. Tonight, we say thank you to our friend, our father, our grandfather, Bob Tallman.” A tribute video to Tallman fol lowed along with an introduction from Yerigan as he was flanked by two-time Announcer of the Year Anthony Lucia.

hard,’ will continue to be heard in arenas across the country. “I’m an addict to Rodeo, to its people, their families,” Tallman said. “I’m an addict to the livestock and what I have seen, felt and tasted for 50 years and what I put out in front of them.”

Bob Tallman, the voice of PRO RODEO and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, ended his 50-year run as the an nouncer in Fort Worth. Tallman will work the rodeo in a different capacity beginning in 2027. (PRCA photo by Michael Pintar)

Tallman’s family was in the stands and shed tears

for their father and grandfather behind a standing ovation

MARCH 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 25