Getting the call that you’re being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is one not many receive but an honor, nonetheless. Unlike the money won or buckles awarded over the years, being an inductee is something that can only be earned through creating a significant impact on the sport of rodeo. Among the Class of 2023 includes Cody Wright in saddle bronc, #408 Nightjacket in livestock, and Butch Knowles in the notable category.
Cody Wright is a thirteen-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and two-time PRCA World Champion in saddle bronc riding. Wright is no stranger to success but receiving the news of being inducted into the Hall of Fame was something he was not expecting.
“It’s definitely an honor just because of the guy’s they’re going to put you in there with, they’ve always been heroes of mine. Jim Shoulders, Ty Murray, all of the greats. It’s just an honor to have your name etched alongside of theirs,” Wright explained.
From the time of his first NFR qualification in 2003, Cody has been paving the way for the Wright legacy. Although retired from competition, Cody’s brother Spencer along with his four sons Rusty, Ryder, Stetson, and Statler continue to represent the Wright name in rodeo.
In the livestock category of inductees is bucking horse #408 Nightjacket. Born in 1994, he was raised by Jim and Margaret Zinser of J Bar J Rodeo before being sold in 2009 to Cullen Pickett for $200,000. Nightjacket’s genetics are responsible for some of the best broncs the rodeo world has to offer. Not only did the stud qualify for eight consecutive National Finals Rodeos himself, but his offspring have collectively over 240 NFR qualifications.
“I really feel that that lineage is going to be there for an awfully long time because when you’re talking about a horse that’s had 60 horses at the Wrangler National Finals that it’s genetics are involved in, it’s awfully good,” said Jim Zinser.
Although he passed away in 2013 at the age of 19, Nightjacket’s bloodlines continue to be some of the top in rodeo history with broncs like Dirty Jacker, Night Crawler, and Top Flight keeping his legacy alive for years to come.
In the notable category is inductee Butch Knowles, an all-around cowboy and rodeo commentator. In 1974, Knowles joined the PRCA competing in all three riding events before finding his passion in saddle bronc riding. Throughout his career, he claimed championships at numerous rodeos including Calgary, Pendleton, St. Paul, and Caldwell. He qualified four times to the National Finals Rodeo and won the average title in 1987.
Retiring from competition in 1991, Knowles found a new calling in the arena as a commentator and TV personality including being a voice of the NFR broadcast. In doing so, he has had the opportunity to witness firsthand the great cowboys and cowgirls that have competed in rodeo throughout the years.
“The thing that I’m so lucky to be able to do and to have done is I’ve got to watch so many wonderful careers from start to finish, incredible careers,” says Knowles.
Butch has had a significant career in the rodeo industry both in and outside of the arena. He continues to represent the sport, educating and entertaining audiences everywhere and sharing his passion for rodeo with others.
Having your name hung on the walls within the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is both an honor and a privilege. For Wright, Nightjacket, and Knowles it’s a sentiment towards their impacts on the sport and they will forever be remembered for their contributions to the rodeo world.
