2024 Vegas NFR Icons – NFR Experience Blog

2024 Vegas NFR symbols

By Patrick Everson

In 1985, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was held in Las Vegas for the first time after moving from Oklahoma City to the Thomas & Mack Center. That same year, brash rookie lasher Joe Beaver competed in his first Wrangler NFR.

There were concerns in the rodeo community about whether the Thomas & Mack would work. And there were concerns about whether it would work out with Joe Beaver. Traditionalists weren’t necessarily fans of either.

“I was as far from tradition as you could be in 1985. I was like, ‘Damn, let’s go to Vegas and have fun.’ It sounds better than Oklahoma City.’ And that was it,” Beaver said, noting that things definitely went well for him and the T&M. “We both kind of surprised everyone.”

Beaver spoke those words during Friday afternoon’s ceremony for the Class of 2024 Vegas NFR Icons at the Cowboy Corral, next to the Thomas & Mack. Beaver was one of three honorees, along with unique team roping partners Speed ​​Williams and Rich Skelton.

In that rookie season of 1985, Beaver won the first of five tie-down world championships and added three gold medals in the all-around to his distinguished career. He’ll watch his banner hang in the Thomas & Mack rafters Saturday night.

Williams and Skelton completed an unprecedented run of eight consecutive World Team Roping Championships from 1997 to 2005. Their banners were hoisted from the rafters during Friday night’s second round.

Williams and Skelton were a little more reserved but just as grateful for the honor.

“I think it’s special that the NFR honors those who have had great moments at Thomas & Mack,” said Williams. “It’s a very special honor, but not something I expected.”

Whether expected or not, Icons status was deserved. Skelton doesn’t see another pair of team ropers matching this streak.

“If it happens again, it will be a surprise,” Skelton said. “We did our best and were very lucky.”

In fact, the duo approached each round as if they had never succeeded.

“It’s really easy to be humiliated. “This cow doesn’t know if you wear a gold buckle or have never been to a rodeo,” Williams said.

All three honorees were grateful to have had such an impact on the history of the NFR at Thomas & Mack. Beaver summed up the experience for all three.

“It will be a good feeling to see that banner up there. It’s a feeling of accomplishment,” Beaver said.