Gary Leffew is a legend both in and out of the arena. He is the 1970 World Champion and recently reflected back on his time at the NFR in the 60s and 70s.
“It was in Oklahoma City, however cold it was outside is how cold it was in the bucking shoots.”
For Leffew it wasn’t about the money, although cowboys couldn’t earn near what they can today.
“When I first got there, the rounds were maybe $300. I didn’t care if they were fifty cents I was there.”
“To go there and see that sold-out stands and every casino have rooms full of people watching it. It has really brought the money in for the cowboys.”
Leffew was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2002 after making eight NFRs throughout his career and winning the World Title in 1970.