ProRodeo Sports News - April 29, 2022

But that’s not how Tuckness is wired. “I probably only had about two weeks down in the whole thing,” he said. “I’ve always been a go getter and I didn’t want to take time down.” Bullfighting requires an extreme level of strength, conditioning and hardiness and Tuckness is renowned for both his physical and spiritual fitness. He relied on both as he hit the gym, working muscle groups not affected by the injury at first. “I knew it would help the overall process if I could stay physically active,” Tuckness said, posting his rigorous workouts on social media along with scriptures to hopefully inspire others. “I just tried to focus on minor things that I could do at first.” As the new year kicked off, Tuckness was missing from his usual spot in front of the bucking chutes in Odessa, Texas, Fort Worth, Texas, and Tucson, Ariz. A quick trip to Fort Worth, where he’s fought bulls 13 years, proved a morale booster to break up the long winter. Tuckness was invited to come help present the Lane Frost Award to his boss at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Instead, organizers surprised him when legendary announcer Bob Tallman introduced Tuckness as the winner of the award, given annually to someone who has enhanced the image and growth of ProRodeo. “It was very touching for a few reasons,” Tuckness posted to social media following the ceremony. “Receiving the Lane Frost award is truly humbling because of what the award is and the kind of guy Lane was.” From accepting the award while still on crutches in early February, Tuckness progressed to a walking boot and never let up on his training. “I spend a lot of hours, probably three to four, a day in the gym,” he said. “Whether it’s strength and conditioning, ice and massage therapy, whatever it takes.” Feeding his body and mind the correct things was key as Tuckness leaned on his strong Christian faith and healthy eating habits. The boot came off in mid-March and doctors gave him rein to start more aggressive workouts. “I’ve been bouncing around in the dirt and starting on some live cattle, just slower stuff,” he said. “The doctor said the leg is healing great, now I’ve just got to get it in shape.” Saying he believes the experience will make him stronger, Tuckness is looking forward to getting back to work, hopefully as soon as May. “I’m still looking to get a hundred perfs in this year,” Tuckness said. In a normal season, he would work about 180. “It won’t be a normal year, but I can’t worry about the past. I’m working with the present and excited to see what the summer brings.” “It really gave me perspective,” he said of the journey back to the arena. “A reason behind my why I do what I do. In the end, it will all be worth it and just be part of my testimony of who I am.” “God is good and hopefully I can inspire and motivate others through my story.”

James Phifer photo Tuckness acknowledges the crowd after receiving the Lane Frost Award at the Fort Worth (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo in February. The award is given annually to someone who has enhanced the image and growth of ProRodeo.

Click Thompson photo

Tuckness gets taken out of the arena during Round 9 of the 2021 Wrangler NFR after breaking his left leg.

ProRodeo Sports News 4/29/2022

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