Rocker Steiner

By Patrick Everson

Rocker Steiner has made a pile of money this week at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – and figured out a creative way not to spend any of it.

“I lost my freaking debit card,” Steiner said Friday night, after posting his third win through nine go-rounds. “But maybe that’s a good thing. Last year, I was Mr. Moneybags, spending money everywhere. I can’t do that this year.”

Steiner didn’t have as much to spend last year, either. He figures he made around $50,000 at the 2022 Wrangler NFR, after earning bareback riding Rookie of the Year honors during the regular season. Not bad money, but nowhere near what’s required to make a run at a world championship gold buckle.

This year looks like more of what’s required, even if Steiner doesn’t catch standout rookie Keenan Hayes for the world title. Steiner’s three go-round wins – worth $30,706 apiece – have helped him rack up $122,091 through nine go-rounds.

“That’ll all be gone when I get home,” Steiner joked, alluding to whomever has his debit card trying to drain his bank account.

With $265,218 in total winnings this year, he’s third in the world standings, behind Hayes ($324,597) and Clayton Biglow ($269,892).

“I’ve taken advantage of every horse that I’ve had an opportunity on,” said the outgoing Steiner, who has played well to the Thomas & Mack Center crowd all week. “To get people on their feet, that’s what I’m here for. It excites me.”

And again, although he likely won’t get the gold buckle, he’s had an outstanding week that he can build on.

“My thing is, whoever walks away with the gold buckle, I’ve got three go-round wins. I’ve got something they don’t,” Steiner said, who’s as optimistic a 20-year-old as you’ll ever find.