6-time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Dan Mortensen Retires

This is just in from the Billings Gazette reporter Joe Kusek, Dan Mortensen 6-time Champion Bronc Rider (1993-95, 97-98, 2003) and All-Around Champion (1997) has announced his retirement from professional rodeo from his home in Montana. Injuries have plagued the legendary rodeo star recently and he has decided to hang up his spurs. Mortensen has been absent from the circuit for the most part since the 2006 NFR, his 16th time qualifying for the event, taking time of in 2007 to try and heal up. But the 39 yea-old cowboy stared considering retirement in early in 2008 but a hard buck-off at the Calgary Stampede cemented the decision.

It's always a tough decision to quit rodeoing but as far as I'm concerned Mortensen will always be one of the best athletes rodeo has ever seen and his achievements speak for themselves. As for me, I'm going to miss watching one of my favorite cowboys compete and I always hoped he had one more championship in him. Dan is a class act and will be missed, congrats on a great career!