6 minute read
TUF COOPER
Photo: James Phifer
THE FOUR-TIME PRCA WORLD CHAMPION IS LIVING UP TO THE FAMILY NAME
When Tuf Cooper chose to follow in his father’s footsteps, he was well aware he had some big boots to fill. It’s tough for anyone to carry on a family legacy, but it’s especially tough when your father is ProRodeo Hall of Famer Roy “Super Looper” Cooper, himself the son of roping pioneer Dale “Tuffy” Cooper. As such, Roy’s three sons, Clif, Clint, and Tuf, were born into rodeo royalty — meaning they also have to contend with the high expectations that come along with the Cooper family name.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Tuf Cooper was born to rope and that rodeo runs in his blood. Bearing his grandfather’s namesake, the 30-year-old cowboy already has four world champion titles under his belt, which puts him halfway to his father’s eight. This year, he’ll head into the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) ranked second in tie-down roping and ranked sixth in steer roping, which has already concluded
Clay Guardipee
its season with the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping (NFSR). He’s currently the all-around world leader with $111,450.14 in earnings, though solid NFR placements from third-ranked Stetson Wright could jeopardize Tuf’s chance at a second all-around title in 2020.
Regardless, Tuf has already proven himself to be a star in the rodeo scene. While his brothers are also competitive ropers — all three of them qualified for the NFR in tie-down roping in 2010 and 2011 — Tuf’s consistent performances make him the most likely of the three to surpass their father’s accomplishments. His long list of sponsors includes American Hat Company, Rock & Roll Denim, Essentia Water and MGM Grand.
Growing up in the most famous family in rodeo, it was clear early on that Tuf was destined for big things. He won his first all-around title at just 6 years old, at a Junior Rodeo Association event in 1996. Upon turning 18 and meeting the PRCA’s minimum age requirement, he officially joined the organization in 2008. He then qualified for the NFR World Finals event that same year, the first of twelve qualifications to date. Tuf went on to win the world champion title in tie-down roping in 2011, 2012, and 2014 and the all-around title in 2017, which he earned with $341,560 in tow.
Photo: Clay Guardipee
In 2013, at only 23 years old, he became the youngest cowboy ever to earn more than one million dollars in the PRCA, though bull rider Sage Kimzey later broke this record in 2016. Tuf also holds two NFR tie-down roping average titles, earning the best average time in 2009 and 2014.
However, his family name alone can’t account for his success. Though he certainly inherited his father’s talent, he admits it takes a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication to hone his skill. Cooper is remarkably driven, as is evidenced by his choice to compete in multiple PRCA roping categories. In some ways, he represents the perfect cowboy archetype: focused, driven, and loyal.
But this drive for success doesn’t mean he can’t have fun, too. To watch him laugh alongside friends and family is to see him in his element. With a positive attitude and a smile that could charm the boots off a snake, his fun-loving disposition makes him a personal hero for many within the rodeo scene. Fans flock to see him not just for his skill but also because he’s a natural showman who cherishes his moments in the spotlight. His knack for cracking a solid joke or dishing out a casual compliment renders him a role model. Young ropers everywhere strive to emulate him.
Photo: James Phifer
What’s clear in every interaction is how much he cares — about horses, the people around him, and the rodeo in general. He shows a remarkable level of unmistakable passion. Even in his losses, he approaches his competitors with class and tact. Amid difficult challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, he retains a positive outlook. “We are on lockdown and unaware,” he said in a recent interview with MontanaSports. com. “That’s basically how the cowboy lives, lockdown to his duties and unaware of what the future holds.”
It’s an apt metaphor, especially concerning his rodeo experiences, where unpredictability is par for the course.
Photo: Clay Guardipee
Still, despite this upbeat spirit, he’s also extremely competitive. Tuf’s stiffest competition is his brother-in-law, Trevor Brazile. But perhaps the fact that his main competitor is also one of his greatest allies is what pushes Tuf to continue to push the envelope in everything he does. Brazile holds an astounding 26 world titles, including a recent win at the 2020 NFSR and the 2020 PRCA World Champion Steer Roping title. Tuf considers Brazile a mentor, and the two are known to practice together and travel together. Working alongside Brazile would be any roper’s dream, and Tuf doesn’t take their relationship for granted.
Brazile is married to Tuf’s sister, Shada, and has had an immeasurable influence on Tuf’s career. In fact, Brazile was one of the people who encouraged Tuf to expand his horizons by competing in more than one PRCA event. This, in turn, allowed Tuf to start pursuing all-around titles. The two share a dedicated work ethic, which is perhaps what continually pushes both of them to make their way to the top of the rankings charts.
Photo: Clay Guardipee
Even in light of his success, Tuf remains humble. Rather than claiming full credit for his accomplishments, he readily acknowledges the advantages he’s had throughout his rodeo-filled childhood. His earliest memories involve horses and ropes. From the time he was 16 years old, he had a plan to make it big as a roper. Homeschooling allowed him to focus his efforts on practicing even more, giving him the opportunity to spend all of his time outside of coursework on mastering his craft. He cherishes this upbringing and draws on it to drive him toward superior performance.
He also puts his trust in God with the knowledge that, whether he wins or loses, it’s all part of a bigger plan. As a man of his faith, he respects that God is ultimately in control of the outcome.
It’s easy to admire Cooper as a loyal friend and dedicated family man. His wife, Tiffany, is a fashion icon, photographer, and founder of Fashion Posse. They live in Decatur, TX, and together, they make for a picture-perfect couple. But Tuf’s concept of family extends far beyond his immediate circle. Rather, he considers the entire rodeo community his family.
All eyes remain on Tuf as he continues to elevate what it means to be a rodeo athlete. With his continued pursuit of multiple PRCA events — a grueling prospect in and of itself — he’s no longer competing against his brother-inlaw or attempting to rival his father’s feats. Instead, he’s competing against himself. If his past performance has proven anything, it’s that he’ll continue to push himself as far as his talent allows, seeking better times, better placements, and more thrills.
It seems he’s destined for even more success as he continues to compete for glory. There’s no doubt about it: Tuf is one of the best ropers in all of rodeo. He shows no signs of slowing down.
Photo: Clay Guardipee
