PRORODEO Sports News - Nov. 7, 2025

PASSINGS

NFR steer wrestler Rex Bland passes away at 76 By PRCA Staff

S teer wrestler Rex Bland, a three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, passed away on Oct. 17. He was 76. Bland qualified for the National Fi nals Rodeo in 1971, 1972, and 1973. He finished seventh in the Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings in 1971, was ninth in 1972 and 10th in 1973. He placed seventh (1971), fifth (1972) and 12th in the average in 1973. Rex was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2009. Bland and his brothers, John and Steve are the only three-brother set to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in three dif ferent events, John as a bull rider (1976 77), Steve as a tie-down roper (1980), and Rex as a steer wrestler. Rex was born June 4, 1946, in Abilene, Texas, the first son of R.L. and Rosemary Bland. Rodeo was always a part of Rex’s life. Growing up in a rodeo family, he dreamed of the day when he would make an appearance at the NFR. Rex entered his first rodeo at 12 years old in Big Lake, Texas, where he won the goat roping and placed in the steer riding. This began a lifelong love for rodeo competition. Going to AJRA rodeos every summer, winning a few buckles and saddles along the way, continued to strengthen his appetite for the sport.

As a member of the rodeo team at Tar leton State College in Stephenville, Texas, and winning the Southwest Region steer wrestling proved Bland was on track to reach that goal. He accomplished that goal qualifying for the NFR three times when it was held in Oklahoma City, Okla. Rex married Kathi and started a family with Brandon (1974), Dee (1972) and Kaci (1981). While raising a family and rodeoing part-time he enjoyed helping get the Texas Circuit off the ground. Along with Bob Crill, they started and produced the first three circuit finals in Abilene, Texas. One of the greatest honors Rex received was the 1975 Texas Circuit Man of the Year award. Bland also was the Texas Circuit Year-End Steer Wres PRCA File Photo

tling Champion in 1977. Winning or placing at most of the large rodeos such as Denver, Houston, Pecos, Texas, Calgary, Greeley, Colo., Nampa, Idaho, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Ogden, Utah, Cheyenne, Wyo., and Salinas, Calif., and many more were great experiences for Bland, but reaching his goal of qual ifying for NFR was the highlight of his rodeo career. Being nicknamed “Rodeo” by Barry and Roy Burk and the many friendships developed during these years are very fond memories with his top memory being qualify ing for the NFR.

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