ProRodeo Sports News - June 10, 2022

19 overall – by the Dallas Cowboys. He was selected to the 2018 NFL All-Rookie Team. He has played in 52 career games and has 349 total tackles, 3 interceptions and 2½ sacks. Durfey, a 13-time qualifier for the NFR – 2007-11, 2013- 19 – was impressed with the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Van Esch’s roping ability. “Leighton and I did some roping and tying, and we had a great time,” said Durfey about his first-time meeting Vander Esch.

Durfey also praised the character of Vander Esch and his wife. “Obviously, he is a big guy, but the thing that impressed me the most was the authenticity of him and his wife. There are just incredibly nice people and their willingness to participate and their love for the sport was super cool to see. “He was just so humble and

“Leighton is an incredible athlete. He’s obviously big and strong and fast. One thing I was impressed about him was his coachability. I could tell him to do something, and he would immediately implement it into the next run. Normally people have to go through hours of practice and repetition to get that done, but he was able to implement things ASAP.” – TYSON DURFEY

so nice. It is nice seeing someone who is that successful, who is that humble and down to Earth. He would fit in with a bunch of guys behind the chutes talking. He is just that kind of guy and it made for a really fun day. It was an incredible experience. “People all put their pants on the same way, and I like being around people who believe that. Rather you’re the wealthiest, most famous person in the world or you’re just a normal human being. “To me, he embodied that. I thought he and wife were incredibly impressive. You can tell they are small town folks with really good values and really good ethics.”

“At their house down here in Texas, Leighton ropes the roping dummy all the time in their backyard. For no more than he had done (roping), Leighton is an incredible athlete. He’s obviously big and strong and fast. One thing I was impressed about him was his coachability. I could tell him to do something, and he would immediately implement it into the next run. Normally people have to go through hours of practice and repetition to get that done, but he was able to implement things ASAP.”

Tyson Durfey practices roping at his indoor arena on May 31 in Millsap, Texas. Durfey taught Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch proper roping technique as part of shoot for an upcoming Polaris campaign.

ProRodeo Sports News 6/10/2022

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