ProRodeo Sports News - September 17, 2021

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How did you get your start in rodeo? Jesse: I’ve kind of always done it. I started riding sheep when I was 4, and just fell in love with it from that point on. I worked my way up from riding calves, steers, and then eventually bulls. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo? Jesse: At a young age I thought I could be a world champion, it’s what I really wanted, but you never really know if you can make it or not. It wasn’t really until this year when things took off for me and that success allowed me to stay on the road. That’s when I realized I might have what it takes to make it. What drew you to the sport of rodeo? In his first year of ProRodeo, Jesse Hopper is climbing up the PRCA bull riding ranks in a hurry. The Mangum, Okla., cowboy sits 26th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings after winning the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo in Kalispell, Mont., on Aug. 21. It was his second rodeo win of the season. Hopper is third in the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings.

JESSE HOPPER

Jesse: I just love the one-on-one challenge the sport offers, it’s you versus the bull. If you win it’s because you, did you what you were supposed to if you don’t you didn’t prepare yourself enough. You can’t blame anyone else for your shortcomings. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? Jesse: It may be the adrenaline that comes with it, but just love the challenge that comes with trying to ride bulls. Have you tried any other rodeo events? Jesse: I’ve never really tried anything else competition-wise. A couple members of my family rope, so I thought I would try that, but being left-handed made things a little difficult. So, that’s about as far as that went. Is there someone in the sport that you look up to? Jesse: Coming up in the sport I’ve always been a huge Justin McBride guy. He was a gritty, tough cowboy who did just about anything to stay on. What’s this season been like for you? Jesse: It started off a little rocky for me, I broke my foot early on getting off a practice bull. So, the summer run is where things finally started clicking for me and I started making a little bit of money. Hopefully this late season success gets me into the big rodeos next year. What’s one rodeo you want to win during your career? Jesse: I’m like a ton of guys and want to win the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. I think it’s at the top of the list for a lot of people. What’s your favorite TV show? Jesse: I don’t get to watch a ton of live tv on the road, so Netflix is our go to. The only thing I’ve watched over the last month or so is the second season of “Outer Banks.” What’s your favorite candy? Jesse: I definitely eat a lot of peach rings, those things are delicious. What’s your go-to meal when you’re on the road? Jesse: Just a good cheeseburger from anywhere always does it for me. It’s hard to get a bad burger when we are on the road. What’s your favorite restaurant? Jesse: I’d probably have to say Chili’s. A lot of the guys I travel with like to stop there, so that’s probably my favorite nowadays. What do you do when you’re not rodeoing?

Jesse: I like to hangout and go fishing with my friends when I’m working or rodeoing. Right now, though most my time is being spent on rodeo, which definitely isn’t a bad thing. What’s your favorite holiday? Jesse: I’d have to say the Fourth of July is my favorite holiday. I love all the fireworks and getting to see everyone. What was your favorite cartoon growing up? Jesse: I still watch a ton of “Tom and Jerry,” I’m still a little kid at heart. I like the old-school cartoons compared to the shows of today.

ProRodeo Sports News 9/17/2021

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