ProRodeo Sports News - April 17, 2020

COWBOY GRILLE WITH MATT NABER

Back in 2005, did you think you’d go on to achieve so much in ProRodeo? Ryan: Yeah, it’s been good, and back then was really good. I didn’t think there’d ever be another bad day. A lot has changed for sure. But no, I didn’t think I would do all that. At the time I thought I was competitive enough, but I didn’t see that window of opportunity in my future. What are you most proud of? Ryan: Winning the world, for sure. I haven’t watched any news in the last three or four weeks and hardly any TV. I’ve just been watching the old NFR tapes, and it’s pretty crazy looking back at what took place back then. What I’m most proud of is my little girl (Jurnee) now. What did it take to get to this point? Ryan: Lots of hard work, for sure, and I’m pretty hard-headed. I’ll put my head down, bear down and get the job done. I sacrificed a lot to get to where I’m at in rodeo. How have you grown as a competitor since 2005? Ryan: Back then I didn’t even think about it, I just went and did it. Then I went through a year or two of putting too much thought into it instead of just doing my job like I do now. Has anything stayed the same? Ryan: I just love to rodeo. So many people don’t like this, that or the other, but it doesn’t faze me at all. I’ll enjoy myself and do my best. What do you hope to achieve next? Ryan: I would like to get qualified one more time in calf roping so I can take my little girl to Las Vegas to see her daddy rope. In 2005 you were asked, if you could After being the 2004 steer wrestling rookie of the year, Ryan Jarrett was featured in ProRodeo Sports News’ “Cowboy Grille” in 2005. Jarrett went on to be crowned the all-around world champion that year and has since made 12 trips to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo as a tie-down roper (2005-06, 2009-13 and 2015-18) and steer wrestler (2005). The 36-year-old, Georgia cowboy has moved to Oklahoma and earned more than $2.2 million. This season, he’s 27th in tie-down roping in the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

RYAN JARRETT

go on a date with anyone, who would it be and why. Your answer was Jessica Simpson. Who would it be now? Ryan: Probably not Jessica Simpson anymore, I think she has washed up since then, ha, ha. I’m married now (to Shy-Anne) and we’re solid. I know not rodeoing right now isn’t worth much money, but we’re getting stuff done around the house and it’s not too bad, really. My daughter, Jurnee, is a little over a year old. I’m not on the road, so I get to see her grow up, and that’s not too bad either.

What’s your favorite thing to watch on TV? Ryan: The Cowboy Channel – I’m not much of a TV-watcher, but it’s not too bad to come in and watch some rodeo, eat dinner and go to bed. Is Logan’s Roadhouse still your favorite restaurant? Does your mom still tell you what she’s cooking just to mess with you? Ryan: Probably not (Logan’s), I heard they’re not re-opening after all this. Now I like Eddie’s Steaks and Seafood in Guymon, Okla. My mom still does that some. I will call, and she will say, “I made blah, blah, blah,” and that sounds really good. How has your approach to competition changed in the last 15 years? Do you still compete in all three events?

Ryan: I’m just in calf roping, and it’s a little different now. Back then, I roped to win first, but now I’m more conservative in some situations and try to get a check in the average. I used to only think about going fast. What’s your favorite rodeo? Is it still San Antonio? Ryan: I’m partial to San Antonio, but I’ve never won much there. They have it set up good for the competitors and do a first-class job for us.

Do you still help at the dairy farm? Ryan: Man, my dad closed it last January.

ProRodeo Sports News 4/17/2020

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