Steve Duhon, Jasper, Texas

Growing up in Opelousas, La., Steve Duhon was an athlete who excelled at pretty much everything he did.

In fact, he had an opportunity to play football at Louisiana State University, just a stone’s throw from Duhon’s hometown. But his excellence in the rodeo arena outweighed his talent on the gridiron. In fact, he quickly became one of the best in the business. He is a three-time Steer Wrestling World Champion, having won his gold buckles in 1986-87 and 1993.

During his run to his first world title, Duhon set bulldogging standard at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with a 3.0-second run, a mark that stands today, 25 years later – Texan Bryan Field tied the mark in 2001. Duhon is an eight-time NFR qualifier who won the steer wrestling average twice, all after being named the 1985 Resistol Rookie of the Year.

On top of that, he’s excelled in the Timed Event Championship over the years. A ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee, Duhon is a major factor in the outcome each March. He’s proven he’s much more than a bulldogger, just like the champion he is.