Jess Lockwood made an impressive comeback by winning the opening round of the PBR Unleash The Beast last weekend in Tampa, achieving an 89.5-point ride on the challenging bull Raider who spun away from his hand. Lockwood, who had previously faced considerable difficulties both in and out of the rodeo arena, expressed his joy at returning to competitive bull riding. “It feels great to be back,” he stated, leading up to championship Saturday, the event’s first return to Tampa in 14 years. “I went through a bit of a rough patch for a couple of years. I found God again. I found myself again. My family and friends have been with me. It feels good to be back riding bulls with my PBR family.”
Lockwood’s remarkable ride elicited praise from 2016 World Champion Cooper Davis, who emphasized that this performance reflected the talent that has made Lockwood a two-time world champion. Lockwood, who first claimed the gold buckle in 2017 at just 20 years old—making him the youngest champion in PBR history—has endured numerous obstacles since then.
Having faced significant physical and personal challenges, including serious injuries and struggles with addiction, Lockwood’s story is one of resilience. He endured a series of injuries that included a torn groin muscle, broken ribs, and even a punctured lung. Following a second pelvic surgery and a divorce, he faced the specter of addiction to Adderall, using it as a way to escape the emotional toll of his circumstances.
However, Lockwood sought help and support from his family and friends, deciding to embark on a change. By taking a more supportive route alongside his aunt, barrel racing champion Lisa Lockhart, he was able to overcome his addiction and regain his focus on bull riding. Lockwood’s determination to return to the sport he loves has led him back into the competitive arena.
His recent performance in Tampa marked a return to form, scoring a notable 90.35 points on a subsequent ride, propelling him to No. 8 in the world standings. Though he experienced a neck injury after his victorious ride, Lockwood is optimistic about his future, planning to compete again in Salt Lake City next week.
Lockwood’s journey serves as an inspiration, illustrating that despite setbacks—be they personal or professional—perseverance can lead to triumph. With his sights set on securing a third World Championship title, Lockwood embodies the spirit of a true cowboy: resilient, dedicated to self-improvement, and unwaveringly committed to his passion for bull riding. Through his experiences, Lockwood not only reaffirms his status in the sport but also lifts the entire PBR community, showcasing the power of determination and recovery.