Tommy Sheffield, born January 5, 1948, in far West Texas, began his rodeo career in the American Junior Rodeo Association (AJRA), qualifying for the AJRA Finals in bull riding for five consecutive years. His rodeo interests soon shifted towards being a bullfighter and rodeo clown. Sheffield transitioned to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 1969 while attending Sul Ross State University, working for major stock contractors such as Joe Kelsey, Bob Barnes, and Tommy Steiner, where he spent much of his career.
Sheffield fought bulls at major rodeos across the country, including Fort Worth and the Cow Palace, initially known for his bullfighting skills and later for his comedy acts. Despite facing serious injuries, he values the friendships and experiences gained in rodeo. He worked alongside bullfighting greats like Frank Rhodes and Quail Dobbs and was selected for the Texas Circuit Finals in 1975 and 1977, as well as an alternate for the National Finals Rodeo in 1977.
Beyond rodeo, Sheffield earned a law degree and a Ph.D., working as a criminal defense lawyer and authoring books about rodeo life, including “Best Supporting Actors” and “Loose Horse.” His writings offer a realistic insight into rodeo culture. Now spanning almost 40 years in professional rodeo, Sheffield still entertains as a barrelman and lives on his ranch near Gatesville, Texas, continuing to write.
