Freckles Brown

The fans attending the 1967 National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City were unaware that history was about to be made in their midst. Quietly, the destinies of two legends were converging...of a bull named Tornado and a cowboy named Freckles Brown.

Tornado had thrown every one of the more than 200 riders who had climbed onto his back during his six-year career. His name struck such fear that many who drew his name simply didn't show up for the ride. Not so the "Unsinkable Mr. Brown". In an arena charged with anticipation, Freckles perched himself solidly atop the massive animal. As the chute opened, those around Freckles saw a calm determination come over him. He held his grip on the rope firmly, body moving to compensate the lurching of the bull as if in a dance. Eight seconds later he was still there. Tornado had been ridden and the legend of Freckles Brown had been born.

He was 46 years old at the time and had been on the bulls for over 30 years. In addition to bull riding, he also had competed in saddle broncs, bareback broncs and bulldogging. His efforts as a four-event cowboy earned him an impressive number of all-around championships including Omaha, Enid, San Saba, North Platte, Amarillo (twice) and Carlsbad (twice).

In 1962, he was World Champion Bullrider, the oldest man ever to hold that crown. Freckles' intuition and agility made him appear like a human gyroscope on the back of a Brahman. He had a sixth sense for anticipating which way the animal was about to pitch, compensating in a split second. This 'brains over brawn' approach has greatly influenced the art of bullriding, imitation being the highest form of praise.

The hazards of rodeo include broken bones and Freckles had his share, including legs (at least eight times), several ribs, collarbone (twice) and even his neck, broken in 1962 when he took the worst fall of his career. He spent 34 days in traction while the talk on the circuit said it was all over for Freckles, he had taken the fall that wouldn't let him come back.

Nine months later he was back in the saddle and back in the arena he loved.

Retiring at 53, Freckles returned home to his 600-acre ranch at Soper, Oklahoma. He calmed the rodeo fires in his blood by working the animals on the ranch and teaching his techniques to the young hopefuls who dreamed of following in his footsteps.

He died of cancer on March 20, 1985, but his life remains a testament to courage, determination and resilience. He didn't always make the ride, but no throw could squelch his rodeo heart. To remember Freckles Brown is to remember a time when the West still had heroes and legends rode Tornadoes.