Professional bull riding champion John Crimber will miss the opening event of the 2026 PBR Teams season in Fort Collins, Colorado, after suffering a significant groin injury during the Greeley Stampede. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) organization confirmed the news on Instagram, where it also shared a photo showing the extent of Crimber’s injury. One commenter wrote, “Yikes that looks ruff get well soon🙏,” while another joked, “Damn. Does it hurt ?? 😂😂.”
Crimber, 20, sustained the injury during one of the marquee stops on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s summer schedule. After completing his ride, he limped from the arena.
Sports Illustrated later reported that the injury would sideline him for the remainder of the lucrative Cowboy Christmas stretch. PBR has now confirmed that it will also keep him out of the Teams season opener in Fort Collins on July 11, 2026.
Injuries, however, have been a recurring part of Crimber’s career
Crimber enters the Teams season fresh off capturing his first career individual gold buckle in May, becoming the second-youngest PBR World Champion in history. His dominant 2026 Unleash The Beast campaign included over $1.3 million in single-season earnings.
His rapid rise has made him one of the sport’s most recognizable young athletes. Crimber became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 PBR Teams Draft, won the 2024 PBR Teams MVP award and continued building his résumé with a world title in 2026.
Crimber has also dealt with injuries earlier in his young career, including a hand injury that damaged ligaments and forced him to miss competition. He later returned to competition and remained in the hunt for a world championship despite competing through pain. PBR has also documented other injuries during his young career, including a broken collarbone before the 2025 World Finals.
After suffering another separate injury in 2025, Crimber reportedly posted an update on Instagram thanking fans and explaining his diagnosis. ” … [T]his resulted in 2 fractures of the lumbar transverse process in the lower back, I wanted to thank GOD for keeping his protective hand on me and for not being worse than it is!!”
Crimber added, “I’ll have to stay away for a few weeks, but I promise you that I’ll come back stronger and hungrier than ever to run after my dream.” Crimber rides for the Florida Freedom, the franchise coached by his father, Paulo Crimber, a longtime PBR standout and Ring of Honor member.
His absence leaves the Freedom without one of the league’s most productive riders to open the season. PBR has not announced a timetable for Crimber’s return.
Published: Jul 10, 2026 02:33 pm