Will Sage Kimzey Ride at the 2023 National Finals Rodeo?

Seven-time world champion Sage Kimzey overcomes adversity during the regular 2023 PRCA season.

Alex Cawthon | Sep 13, 2023

Will Sage Kimzey Ride at the 2023 National Finals Rodeo? /

Sage Kimzey is no stranger to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas. The seven-time Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) World Champion has won a total of $142,738.74 for the 2023 season.

Just when Sage Kimzey got his summer rolling, an injury during the semi-final round of the Cheyenne Frontier Days sidelined the seasoned bullrider.

A broken clavicle, displaced bicep tendon, and rotator cuff damage led Kimzey to surgery in early August and called for six weeks of recovery time.

Initially, Kimzey did not think it was possible to compete at the 2023 NFR, due to not meeting the rodeo count of 40 rodeos for PRCA XTreme Bulls earnings to count towards the PRCA world standings.

However, the determined rodeo athlete made the decision to do whatever is necessary to make the 40 rodeo count to make him eligible to ride at the NFR in December which he should be cleared for.

Before Kimzey's surgery he had 25 rodeos made, all he lacked were 15 more.

Sage Kimzey refers to the PRCA rule book in an Instagram post stating he must be touching the bull with his hand touching the rope in order to be in compliance with PRCA rules. Allowing him to still "compete" to get his rodeo count with out being disqualified.

This will allow Kimzey to be eligible to ride at the 2023 NFR.

This means (not fully healed) Sage Kimzey packed up, left his family, and hit the road to comply with the rules and get 15 more rodeos under his belt. Travelling across the country to rodeos, and paying an entre fee to ride for no chance at getting any of his money spent back and no chance to climb the world standings.

Currently Kimzey sits 8th in the PRCA world standings with just a few weeks left in the regular season and is predicted to attend the NFR at the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas where the NFR will be held in December.

Published Sep 13, 2023

ALEX CAWTHON

Alex Cawthon is a writer for Sports Illustrated's Rodeo Daily. She is also an accomplished rodeo athlete and business leader driven by the desire to achieve greatness. Born and raised in Rockwall, TX where she learned the importance of family and enjoying the simple things in life. Growing up Alex focused on her academics as well as fine-tuning her abilities as an athlete, which led her to a rodeo scholarship at Tarleton State University. She competed in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) in the Southwest Region during her time in college rodeo. In addition to a long list of rodeo accomplishments, Alex’s reputation for excellence as well as her grit and determination garnered awards and high-profile brand deals. When not competing full-time as a rodeo athlete, Alex applies her intense work ethic to thrive in the classroom. She graduated from Tarleton State University with a bachelor's degree in Agribusiness in 2022 and will graduate in December 2023 with a Master's in Business Administration. Now based in Stephenville, Tx, Alex continues to make her mark as she establishes a career in the oil and gas industry. In addition, Alex utilizes her expertise and connections to support the sport she loves, as she joins forces with Sports Illustrated as a writer for their acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily. Beyond Alex’s accomplishments in and out of the arena, to her core, she is tenacious, focused, and driven. Her deep roots in the Western industry have not only shaped her professional journey, but also instilled an unwavering commitment to tradition, excellence, and innovation.