Brady Oleson, a professional bull rider from Austin who had a terrifying crash on Friday while competing, is retiring.
During a Texas Rattlers game versus the Kansas City Outlaws, Oleson was thrown off Fast Flow and hit in the head, resulting in a neck injury. After being removed from the arena on a stretcher, the rider received medical attention at Dell Seton Medical Center.
Oleson posted on Instagram on Monday, stating that while he can still walk, he can no longer ride.
Oleson wrote, “I had a little accident last weekend in Austin, Texas, and I ended up tearing some ligaments in my neck along my C3 C4.” “I appreciate all of the prayers and messages. This week, I have surgery to fuse my neck. Regretfully, they’ve told me that I will no longer be bull riding.
Although I am really thankful that it wasn’t worse and that I can still walk, it is a very difficult time in my life! I give thanks to God for all of his blessings and the incredible life I’ve been fortunate enough to lead.
Oleson went 9-for-19 and was a key player for the Rattlers when they won the 2023 PBR Team Series. Before making his Unleash the Beast debut in 2018, the Idaho native started his career in 2014, racing in events such as PBR Canada, the Touring Pro Division, and the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour.
He’s had prior wrist and shoulder injuries, but nothing nearly as bad as what occurred last Friday. In Tucson, Arizona, at the start of the 2023 UTB season, Oleson secured his lone event victory in the premier series.
General manager of the Rattlers Chad Blankenship said, “Brady retires a champion.” “His rides have helped us become the only team on home dirt to go undefeated and the 2023 PBR Team Series Champions. He has been a part of our squad since the beginning.”
