PRORODEO Sports News - March 27, 2026 Digital Edition

compete at multiple performances on the nearby reservation. He was often introduced as “Colorado Kid” at the events. He eventually took a liking to it and put it as his official nickname when he registered for his PRCA card. The nickname has stuck so far in his career. On daysheets for some of PRORODEO’s biggest events, “Colorado Kid Mackey” often appears. “I thought it would be funny to have it as my nick

NFR as the No. 15 bull rider in the world, holding off Luke Mast on the final day of the 2025 regular season. He got off to a quick start in Las Vegas, covering Cervi Champion ship Rodeo’s Vitalix Anthrax for 84.75 points for his first-ever trip to the NFR pay window. He placed fifth in Round 2 with an 86.75-point ride and third in Round 4 with an 86-point ride.

He secured qualified rides twice more during the 10-day stretch of the NFR in rounds 8 and 10. In Round 8, he tied for fifth and sixth with an 87-point ride. In the final round, he was fourth with an 86.25-point ride to clinch the No. 7 spot in the world. Mackey was fifth in the average at the NFR with $134,494 in to tal earnings over 10 days. He was behind only T.J. Gray ($329,662), the Top Gun Award recipient for 2025, fellow Resistol Rookie Bryce Jensen ($210,491), Stetson Wright ($196,297), who secured the 2025 PRCA Bull Riding World Championship and All Around World Cham

pionship, and 2023 PRCA Bull Riding World Champi on Ky Hamilton ($182,398). Mackey said he didn’t feel much pressure as a Resistol Rookie at the NFR. When he climbed in the chutes, he zoned out and did what he knows

name,” Mackey said. “Me and my grandpa were

like, ‘Yeah, let’s put it down with the PRCA.’ It has sort of just stuck.

“(Ignacio) is really proud because it’s been a while since someone from the Four Corners area has gone to the NFR. But I was able to make it hap pen.” Whether it’s the love for repre senting Colorado, his grand

best: ride bulls. That’s the mindset that got him into position to head to Las Vegas in the first place. Walking across the stage at the South Point Hotel Casino during the PRCA Back Number Ceremony is a moment he won’t soon forget. Sharing the mo ment

parents or both, Mackey has used the motivation to his advantage. He quickly climbed up

the rank ings last season,

quali fying for the

32 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE MARCH 27, 2026