The riders, staff and management of theProfessional Bull Riders mourn the loss of legendary bull LittleYellow Jacket, who passed away on Monday, Sept. 19, in Graham, N.C.The only three-time World Champion Bull in PBR history was 15 yearsold.
"Little Yellow Jacket was a tremendous athlete, and the meremention of his name brings great memories to fans of our sport,"said PBR CEO Jim Haworth. "He will certainly be remembered as oneof the all-time greats."
The PBR announced in July that Little Yellow Jacket would be thefirst recipient of the Brand of Honor, which will be presented eachyear to a bull for exemplary performance. He will be honored in LasVegas on Oct. 25 during the Heroes & Legends Ceremony, whichwill also include the induction of Tater Porter and Brent Thurmaninto the PBR Ring of Honor, the presentation of the SharonShoulders Award to Leanne Lambert, and the presentation of the JimShoulders Lifetime Achievement Award to Rob Smets.
Owned by Joe Berger, Tom Teague, and Bernie Taupin, LittleYellow Jacket won the World Champion Bull title in 2002, 2003 and2004. He is immortalized in a statue located in front of the PBRheadquarters along with the only three-time World Champion bullrider, Adriano Moraes.
Asked about his famous bull, Teague said simply, "He was theonly three-time World Champion Bull in the PBR. I think that saysit all." Teague also expressed gratitude to the Berger family forhaving raised such a great animal, and for allowing him to buy ashare in him.
"The mere mention of his name brings greatmemories to fans of our sport."
Little Yellow Jacket gained worldwide fame in 2003 when hebucked off two-time World Champion Chris Shivers in less than twoseconds. He earned $50,000 for his victory while keeping Shiversfrom collecting $1 million.
He competed in the PBR from 1999-2005, and appeared in the WorldFinals from 2001-05. He had a buckoff rate of 84.4 percent, and anaverage buckoff time of 2.66 seconds. The 14 riders who managed toachieve 8 seconds on him had an average score of 93. MichaelGaffney rode Little Yellow Jacket for 96.5 points at Nampa, Idaho,in 2004, tying the PBR record for highest score.
His last set of natural calves will be born in 2012.