Celebrating National Day of the Cowboy with Pro Bull Rider John Crimber

Every summer, National Day of the Cowboy gives us a chance to honor the grit, values, and timeless spirit of the American cowboy. For professional bull rider and Ariat Athlete John Crimber, those cowboy values aren’t just something he celebrates once a year—they’re the foundation of his everyday life.

When your father is a legendary bull rider and your childhood is spent in locker rooms surrounded by rodeo's toughest, becoming a bull rider can feel like destiny. For the 19-year-old phenom, that destiny is unfolding: one bull, one challenge, and one test of faith at a time.

We sat down with John to hear his story—from growing up immersed in the world of rodeo to chasing world titles, and how faith, family, and his drive to leave his mark on the world of Professional Bull Riders (PBR) keep him motivated.

Growing Up Around Bull Riding Legends

John’s career in bull riding was practically written from the start. John’s father, Paulo Crimber, is a celebrated Brazilian bull rider, 10x PBR World Finals qualifier, 2004 National Finals Rodeo “average” title winner, and 2024 PBR Ring of Honor inductee.

“I think that's the main reason why I started riding bulls growing up around it,” John shares. “When I was little, my dad took me into the locker room, and I got to hang out with those guys and be around that environment. Just seeing everybody getting ready, I always saw myself being a bull rider and being around those guys.” John had a front-row seat to the true cowboy life.

Living the Cowboy Code On and Off the Road

While most people think of cowboys as what happens inside the arena, John knows the lifestyle goes far beyond the 8-second ride. He carries this lesson everywhere, and it's part of why he believes we should honor National Day of the Cowboy.

“Being a cowboy isn’t just what I do inside the arena. It’s how I act outside: being respectful to everyone, no matter who or when. Fans support us, and we should always make time for them. Bull riding is just a small part of what being a cowboy means.”

That humility travels with him on the road.

Even as he competes at the highest level, John keeps his mindset simple. “We hop on a plane and go to wherever the event is and just hang out. I don’t really have many routines. I just go out there and have fun. I see every event as another bull ride and just let it roll.”

One ritual sticks, no matter which small town he’s in or which event he’s attending: he finds a church to visit. “What keeps my life going is my trust in the Lord. And I definitely read my Bible before I get on every bull.”

Anchored by Family and a Drive to Make History

At the heart of John’s cowboy spirit is his faith—a constant source of strength—and his family, especially in a year that’s been full of challenging injuries. 

“This year has been really testing for me because I’ve gotten hurt so many times. Breaking my back was probably the hardest thing, so coming back from that and trying to feel like myself again tested me mentally and physically. I was ranked #1 in the world when it happened, and staying home and watching others move up past me was tough. And then when I came back, I didn’t feel 100%.”

His father’s wisdom, drawn from his own rodeo career, helped guide him through recovery. “The biggest thing was my dad. He’s been through a lot of injuries and has helped me a lot mentally with how to overcome them.”

The pursuit of excellence is inseparable from his love for bull riding, and like every bull rider, he’s chasing records. “At the world finals this year, I faced a bull named Magic Potion. He has 50 outs with no one riding him yet. That’s probably the toughest bull I’ve been on, and I want to break his record because he cost me a world title. We bull riders strive to write our names in history by getting on bulls that nobody really wants to ride. Breaking records is pretty cool.”

On Cowboy Heroes

For John, two cowboys truly embody the cowboy code. “My dad, Paulo Crimber, is number one. My dad broke his neck twice, but every time he got hurt, he kept getting back up. That willpower inspires me. After he broke it the second time, he said that he wanted me to see him ride in person. So that's what motivated him to get back out there.”

In addition to his Dad, John says he has a lot of respect for 2x World Champion bull rider JB Mauney. “I always looked up to him growing up. He’s tough, riding through so many injuries. He’s one guy I consider a true cowboy.”

What makes them icons in John’s eyes is their resilience. Their determination to keep trying in the face of adversity has helped him set his sights on the biggest prize in all of PBR. “I want to be World Champion. That’s been my goal since I was a kid, and it hasn’t changed.”

He also hopes to follow in his father’s path to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). “My dad won the title at the NFR in 2004, and he’s always told me that one day I should go rodeo and experience that life.”

Why We Should Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy

National Day of the Cowboy is about honoring the values that shape John’s daily life, and he’s emphatic that we should honor it. “Because, why wouldn’t you?” he asks. “The original cowboys paved a path for us and showed what being a true cowboy means—be a good person and set an example. That’s why we need to celebrate it.”

One moment that stands out for John is when 26x PRCA World Champion Cowboy and Ariat Athlete, Trevor Brazile, loaned him his World Champion buckle after John’s own buckle was stolen at the National High School Finals Rodeo. “That was really cool. Cowboys help each other out. For a guy like him to call me and offer his buckle meant a lot. I had respect for him before, now I have even more.”

Even as cowboy culture becomes more mainstream, John believes its deeper meaning still holds. “There are a lot of bad people out there, and I think we need more cowboys around teaching everyone how to be more respectful, good people. And chicks dig bull riders, too,” he laughs.

Partnership With Ariat

“I’ve always worn Ariat,” he says. “I remember in 2013, JB Mauney was wearing Ariat, and I wanted that big white patch on my vest. The clothes are so comfortable, and the 

Ariat Rebar jeans are my favorite. I wear them almost every day. My wardrobe is pretty much all Rebar and Ariat Pro Series shirts.”

As for boots, John’s go-to is the Ariat Bench Made Tilghman. “They feel great and are so comfortable. They give me that true cowboy feel with the heel and the narrower toe. That’s how I like my boots. They look cool and feel great, like wearing tennis shoes.”

For John Crimber, National Day of the Cowboy isn’t just a celebration, it’s a reflection of the life he lives every day: rooted in family, faith, hard work, and the enduring spirit of the American cowboy.

FAQs

How old is John Crimber?

Professional bull rider John Crimber was born on August 11, 2005, making him 19 years old as of 2025. Despite his young age, he has quickly become one of the top athletes in the PBR circuit.

What does PBR stand for?

PBR stands for Professional Bull Riders, the world’s premier organization dedicated to showcasing the sport of bull riding through major national and international events.

How many PBR events are there in a year?

Professional Bull Riders (PBR) hosts over 300 bull riding events worldwide each year, including the elite Unleash The Beast tour, Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour, and international PBR competitions.