Hailing from Okeechobee, Florida, Jesse Petri has built his career on determination, versatility and a passion for the Western lifestyle. Competing in both the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Professional Bull Riders (PBR), Petri has found success across both organizations. In 2026, he joined the Austin Gamblers as the No. 6 overall pick in the PBR Teams Draft, adding another chapter to a career that has included stints with the Missouri Thunder, Arizona Ridge Riders and Texas Rattlers.

Turning professional in 2016, Petri finished inside the Top 50 of the PRCA World Standings three times before transitioning to PBR Teams in 2022. He later returned to PRCA competition, qualifying for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and earning more than $167,000 in 2025. Despite suffering a broken leg and ankle ligament damage in early 2026, Petri returned to competition in April, earning nearly $12,000 at the Clovis Rodeo Xtreme Bulls.

Joining Austin has given Petri the opportunity to learn from some of bull riding's most accomplished competitors. He particularly values the knowledge and experience shared inside the Gamblers' locker room, where simply listening to his teammates and learning from their success has helped him develop as a rider, even when he isn't competing.

Outside the arena, Petri owns J. Petri Saddlery, a Dublin, Texas-based business specializing in handcrafted ranch and roping saddles. Inspired by his time working on an East Texas ranch, he launched the business with a friend and has helped produce nearly 800 saddles over nine years. Guided by faith, focus and an entrepreneurial mindset, Petri hopes to eventually transition from bull riding to growing his business full time, continuing his commitment to the Western lifestyle long after his final eight seconds.