“When it came time to where I had to decide whether I wanted to be a bull rider or a hockey player, it wasn't an easy decision…” The Legendary Story of Professional Bull Rider Nick Tetz.

Photo taken by- Husain Dhooma

Nick Tetz, a Calgary native, etched his name into the history books on November 9, 2024, when he was crowned the PBR Canada Champion after a record-breaking season. The 24-year-old bull rider triumphed in great fashion, riding his way to victory at Edmonton’s Rogers Place, home of the Edmonton Oilers while shattering multiple records along the way.

Tetz, who made his mark across 12 events, registered an impressive 20 round wins in both the elite Cup Series and Touring Pro Division. His relentless pursuit of excellence earned him a total of $153,375 in winnings, with an overall yearly earning off $249,622.29. With his stellar performance, Tetz has firmly established himself as one of the top bull riders in the world, currently ranked number one in the PBR standings. However, how did this passion all start for Tetz?

From Hockey Rinks to Rodeo Dirt

Despite his current success, Tetz's path to bull riding was anything but traditional. Growing up in Calgary, he was dedicated to hockey from a young age as he started skating at the age of two. Throughout his childhood, hockey played a crucial role in his athletic journey and showed promising talent in the sport.

Photo taken by- Husain Dhooma

“Growing up, I grew right in town playing hockey and dedicated a lot of my time to the sport,” said Tetz. “I played baseball as well but, hockey was the main sport I used to play with bull riding always in the back of my head.”

Raised with access to farm life through his godparents, who raised bucking stock, horses, and steers, Tetz was introduced to the world of rodeo at an early age.

“My dad spent a lot of time out there with my godparents and one day, he asked me if I wanted to get on a steer when he came to pick me up,” said Tetz. “I didn’t want to disappoint him so, I said yes even though I was terrified. From that moment on, I was hooked on it.”

The Tough Decision

As Tetz’s passion for bull riding grew, so did his internal conflict. Hockey had been his primary focus, and he was well on his way to pursuing a future in the sport. But the pull toward rodeo life became undeniable.

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Tetz said. “Every day when I was at the rink, I was always thinking about bull riding. But when I was at a rodeo, I wasn’t thinking about hockey. That’s when I knew what I really wanted to do.”

Despite the uncertainty and challenges that came with making the switch, Tetz found unwavering support from his parents. Their encouragement and the work ethic they instilled in him helped shape his mentality as a bull rider.

“My parents were huge supporters of me and supported me through everything,” Tetz said. “They always told me that if you're going to do something, you’re going to be 100% in it, and you’re going to do it to the best of your ability. That mentality helped me so much, especially in the early stages of my career.”

Rising to the Top

Tetz’s transition from hockey to bull riding wasn’t easy, but his determination and talent quickly paid off. He made his professional debut in 2018, earning the title of Rookie of the Year and finished the season ninth overall. A big contributor to Tetz first year success came from Aaron Roy, another legendary PBR bull rider who still plays a significant role in Tetz bull riding journey.

Photo taken by- Husain Dhooma

“Aaron helped me a lot, whenever I had to pick a bull for a short round and needed any general advice, I could always go to him to ask for his opinion or get advice,” said Tetz. “I still go to Aaron and always appreciate the tips and all the little tricks that he gave me.

Surely enough, Roy’s advice mixed with Tetz's undeniable skill for the sport secured the coveted PBR Canadian Championship in 2022, stamping him into a whole other tier. His 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular, with his record-breaking performances and consistent success across multiple events. Tetz’s focus, both mentally and physically, has helped him reach the top of the PBR rankings.

Looking Ahead

As Tetz continues to dominate the bull riding scene, he remains committed to his growth as an athlete. Even with his impressive accomplishments, he remains humble and believes the best is yet to come.

“I don’t see myself as one of the best yet. I still have a lot to prove and a lot to accomplish,” Tetz said. “But I love what I do, and as long as my body holds up, I’ll keep pushing to get better.”

Tetz is now one of just five riders to have won the PBR Canada Championship multiple times. He joins his mentor and three-time Champion Aaron Roy (Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan) and two-time title holders Zane Lambert (Ponoka, Alberta), Cody Coverchuk (Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan) and Dakota Buttar (Eatonia, Saskatchewan).

With the 2024 PBR Canada Championship under his belt and a career that’s just beginning to reach its full potential, Nick Tetz is poised to become one of the greatest bull riders of his generation.

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