ROOKIE BRODY BROGAN CARRYING HIS FATHER’S LEGACY
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Brody Brogan grew up in the shadow of his father John Brogan, a veteran bullfighter who qualified multiple times for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bullfights in Las Vegas.
Now, wearing his dad’s old gear, he’s beginning to make a name for himself. The young Brogan competes in the same shirt and baggies once worn by his father.
“It means a lot to me,” Brody said. “I grew up watching him and looking up to him, so being able to wear that stuff now is pretty special.”
John Brogan now raises show-quality Herefords, and Brody said much of what he learned came long before he ever stepped into the arena.
“That’s where I learned work ethic,” he said. “Just being around him, working cattle, doing things the right way every day. That carries over.”
Now, the results are starting to show.
Brogan turned heads at the San Antonio Freestyle Fiesta, scoring 87 points and narrowly missing the short go, but doing enough to put himself on the radar. His return in San Luis Obispo alongside a veteran lineup is another sign that people in the sport have taken notice.
“It gave me confidence,” Brogan said. “I felt like I belonged there. Now it’s about building off that.”
For John Brogan, watching his son enter the same world he once competed in has been rewarding.
“You always want to see your kid do well, especially in something you understand,” John Brogan said. “He’s worked hard, and he’s earned these opportunities.”
The connection between the two is clear. One fought bulls at the highest level. The other is just getting started. Both came up the same way — through cattle, hard work and a daily routine that leaves little room for shortcuts.
“He’s got a chance,” John said. “Now it’s just about experience.”
Brody understands the sport will ultimately judge him on what he does in the arena, not on his last name. Still, carrying a piece of his father’s career with him matters.
“It’s a nod to him,” he said. “But now I’ve got to go make my own way.”
Brogan joins a stacked field of athletes on Thursday, April 9 at Cal Poly’s Spanos Stadium in San Luis Obispo, California. 2-time world champion Tyler Mansell, reigning world champion Chance Moorman, and Cole Pfister round out the roster.
The night also features high-intensity motocross performances by The Flying Cowboyz, showcases from Cal Poly organizations, traditional rodeo elements, and a drone show finale.
BFO was founded by bullfighters and is Freestyle Bullfighting’s Premier Professional League. BFO features an international roster of elite athletes competing for the largest purses in the history of the sport.