Welcome to another YETI Exclusive Interview! With Cowboy Christmas coming to an end, we are excited to catch a few minutes with Professional Bull Rider, Cody Teel! In this exclusive YETI interview, Cody dives into how he grew up, how that played a role in his career, and what YETI has done to help him get to where he is today!
CLN: Can you tell our audience a little about yourself?
Cody: I grew up wanting to be a professional bull rider. It’s been a part of my everyday life since I was a little kid. I’m over ten years into my professional career now, and I’m very blessed to have had the opportunities that I’ve had over the years.
CLN: What did growing up look like for you? Do you come from a rodeo family? When did you get involved in rodeo?
Cody: My dad Robbie rode bulls, and that’s how I grew an interest in riding bulls. I was very fortunate to have a lot of support behind me in pursuing my dream of being a professional bull rider. My mom and dad have about fifteen acres in Kountze, Texas, and growing up we had a little arena in the backyard. We always had around five to ten bulls there, sometimes more. A few big steers as well. There was something for all levels from beginner to seasoned pros. So most weekends that I wasn’t riding somewhere, or during the weekdays we were bucking bulls. We would always have a lot of guys come out and I loved it. Every day after school from about 7th grade on I would come home and feed bulls, run them in the chutes, and always doing something with them even if I wasn’t getting on. I’ve always loved bucking bulls and have a deep appreciation for the athletes they are. I’m lucky to get to do what I love!
CLN: How do you get yourself “in the zone” when at a rodeo?
Cody: From the time I put my rope on the particular bull I have I’ll start to get a little sweat going. I’ll look at how he’s built, get a feel for what type of demeanor he has, and even look at if his hooves are long or neatly trimmed. Not that any of that really matters it’s just how I like to focus on staying in the moment. Then I’ll just go over the basic chute procedure in my head, and how I’ll make the first jump perfect. When the chute gate opens you just have to trust your skill and preparation to make the right counter moves to make the whistle.
CLN: What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Cody: Being the 2012 PRCA World Champion Bull Rider
CLN: What do your rodeo goals look like heading into the final half of 2021 and into 2022?
Cody: For me, it’s just showing up and having quality outs day in and day out. Whether I ride or buck off I want to be 100% in the moment and get something to build on after. It’s a never-ending process until the day you decide to quit. You have to work at it, no two bulls are the same, and you have to be the best version of yourself every time you nod your head.
CLN: What is the best advice you can give aspiring pro rodeo athletes?
Cody: It’s about taking it one step at a time. You have to be real with yourself, and don’t get too far ahead of yourself in your progression as a bull rider. If you aren’t winning and developing confidence at the level you are currently at you don’t need to take the next step. The only way to get good at winning is by winning, and you have to find a place/level that you are capable of doing that.
CLN: What has it meant to be a part of the YETI Ambassador team?
Cody: Being able to wear the YETI brand on my vest is something I’m very proud of. I believe in and love the many products I use each and every day that has the YETI name on them. That makes being an Ambassador very easy for me.
We hope you enjoyed this YETI Exclusive Interview and we can’t wait to share the next one with you. Make sure to check out the button below to learn more about YETI products and why they are the number one choice for all your cooler and outdoor gear needs. Then make sure to follow them on your favorite social media platform for product and news updates!
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