Myrtis Dightman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Myrtis Dightman
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| Born | May 7, 1935 Houston County, Texas, United States
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| Other names | "Jackie Robinson of Rodeo" |
| Occupation | Bull rider |
| Known for | Rodeo |
| Spouse(s) | Fannie Mae (div.) |
| Parent(s) | Odie Dightman and Ada Lee Polk |
Myrtis Dightman, born on May 7, 1935, is a famous American former professional rodeo cowboy. He was a specialist in bull riding, which is a very exciting and dangerous sport! Myrtis is a member of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. He is often called the "Jackie Robinson of Rodeo." This is because he was the first African-American person to compete in the National Finals Rodeo.
Contents
Myrtis Dightman: Rodeo Legend
Early Life and Beginnings
Myrtis Dightman was born on May 7, 1935. His birthplace was a large 4,000-acre ranch. This ranch was in Houston County, Texas, near a town called Crockett, Texas. His father worked on this ranch for a man named Karl Leediker.
A Groundbreaking Career
Myrtis Dightman began his rodeo career in Houston, Texas. In 1964, he made history. He became the first black cowboy to compete at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). The NFR is like the Super Bowl for rodeo athletes.
He qualified for the NFR many times. He competed there in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1972. In 1967, he had his best year ever. He finished third in the world standings for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA). In 1971, he won the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo.
Beyond the Rodeo Arena
Myrtis Dightman also worked in movies! He was hired to do stunts. He also played himself in two rodeo films. These movies were Junior Bonner (1971) and J. W. Coop (1972).
Myrtis Dightman was a big inspiration to other bull riders. One famous bull rider he influenced was Charlie Sampson. In October 2006, a special concert was held to raise money for a bronze statue of Myrtis. The statue was placed at the entrance of the Porth Ag Arena in Crockett, Texas. This arena hosts an annual Labor Day Rodeo. The rodeo is named in his honor.
Honoring a Pioneer
Myrtis Dightman has received many important awards and honors for his amazing career.
- 1970 Calgary Stampede Guy Weadick Award
- 1997 Rodeo Hall of Fame of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- 2001 Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame
- 2003 National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum
- 2003 PBR Ring of Honor
- 2011 Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
- 2016 Bull Riding Hall of Fame
- 2016 ProRodeo Hall of Fame
