ProRodeo Sports News - May 14, 2021

TIME CAPSULE

PRCA ProRodeo file photos ProRodeo Hall of Famer Ty Murray stands next to his likeness on the tail of a Western Pacific airplane. Mur- ray loved to do what he could to expand the reach of the sport of rodeo.

Ty Murray’s likeness helped introduce rodeo to the masses PRCA When the Ruled the Skies

BY TRACY RENCK P roRodeo Hall of Famer Ty Murray set the gold standard in ProRodeo during his time of winning nine world titles – seven in the all-around (1989-94 and 1998) and two in bull riding (1993 and 1998). Murray’s accomplishments weren’t just

noticed in the rodeo arena. He also drew the attention of national companies. In March 1996, Murray’s likeness riding a bull was on the tail of a Western Pacific airplane that also displayed “Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association” across the body of the aircraft. “It was really cool,” Murray told ProRodeo Sports News . “They took me to the unveiling of it and I stood up there on the wing. It was a really cool picture, and I was honored to be a part of it. That’s something you never think of happening. It was impressive in person because you don’t realize how big (the likeness) is.” Murray said he was looking to push the envelope when it came to introducing rodeo to a mainstream audience. “I always loved doing everything I could that reached beyond just the circles of rodeo,” he said. “I just felt like it helped the sport. It helped with the recognition of cowboys and their talents every time you were able to do something that wasn’t in our little microcosm of rodeo. It’s neat when you’re able to do something that people who are not directly connected to rodeo get to see and think about the sport and think about cowboys.” Some of Murray’s other advertising endeavors included being on a Raisin Bran box and a bottle of wine. He also appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2009 and made it to the semifinals. “Being on the Raisin Bran box was a great opportunity, and then getting to be on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ was great, as well,” Murray said.

ProRodeo Sports News 5/14/2021

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