ProRodeo Sports News - June 10, 2022

PRORODEO COWBOYS

Michael Roberts photo

Tie-down roper Mike Johnson continues winning path Storied Career 58-year-old Mike Johnson competes at his first rodeo of the 2022 season at the Magnolia (Ark.) Stampede, April 9.

BY TANNER BARTH M ike Johnson and tie- down roping have been synonymous for the last 40 years in ProRodeo. He holds the PRCA record for most National Finals Rodeo qualifications in tie-down roping with 23 (1983-97, 2000-01, 2003-08). His storied PRCA career began in 1982 and four decades later he’s still roping in the wins. At 58 years old, Johnson acknowledges he’s towards the back end of his career, but that hasn’t stopped him from saddling up his horse to compete at 15 to 20 rodeos a season. He’s shown age is just a number inside the arena.

“My wife has always said ‘it’s something I’ve had a passion for since I was six years old,’” Johnson said. “I’ve been competing in the PRCA since I was 18. So, it’s something that I’ve done every year and I haven’t missed a year. Right now, I still enjoy doing it while I can.” He is doing more than just showing up and enjoying himself, he’s still winning rodeos. On May 20, Johnson laid down his fastest run since 2019 when he stopped the clock in 10 seconds at the Bill Hoy Kiwanis Rodeo in Clarksville, Tenn., to win the rodeo. The run marked his first win in the PRCA since Sept. of 2016. He said practice is a thing of the past at this point in his career. The only time he goes through a complete tie-down roping run is when he nods his head

ProRodeo Sports News 6/10/2022

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