When you consider the greatest names in any sport, you must consider how much influence they’ve had on the younger generation.

Many of rodeo’s elite saddle bronc riders have considered one man their rodeo idol: Five-time world champion Billy Etbauer, one of the members of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012.

Why?

It’s a combination of many things, from his outstanding athletic ability on the backs of bucking beasts to his giving nature to his humble personality. You see, Etbauer isn’t just one of the greatest cowboys in the history of the sport, he’s one of the greatest men I’ve ever met, and every bronc rider you meet will tell you the same thing.

That’s what makes Billy Etbauer a hall-of-famer in any league.