Tom Feller grew up in an urban area with no idea that his career path in life would land him inside a barrel, inside a rodeo arena. It was when he was done with high school that Feller’s attempt at riding a bull lit what would become a fiery passion for the sport of rodeo.
Feller served his country during Vietnam before finishing his bachelor’s degree upon his return. In the midst of getting this degree, Feller joined his brother in his clown act and bought his PRCA card in 1974.
A standout year for Feller was 1981. A muddy Greeley Independence Day Stampede performance is what Feller attributes to catapulting his career. In that same year, Feller was selected to be the barrelman the Beauty and the Beast Wrangler Bullfight Finals before also being chosen for the National Finals Rodeo and winning Clown of the Year. He would become a two-time Clown of the Year in 1987. Feller was also selected as the inaugural Coors Man in the Can title in 1984 and he would win it a second time in 1987.
Feller’s retirement came in 1990 during the rodeo that he says kickstarted it all, the Greeley Independence Day Stampede.
His passion for rodeo still burned after his retirement and Feller went on to work for the PRCA, working with sponsors before serving multiple legislative positions within the association. After that, Feller’s work continued with the Justin brands team and he has heavily supported the Justin Sportsmedicine team and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.
When the dust settles, Feller has landed in an elite crowd as he has now joined the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.