Written by Matt Corirossi
The encore.
It is an enthusiastic request for more. The result of an overwhelming display of proficiency. A scene so overwhelming that an audience does not want it to end. It is more than a want. It is a need. The unfortunate truth is that despite this desire, everything comes to an end. There is an instance when the fun must stop and a new chapter begins. Time does not stop for anyone. Life has its ebbs and flows leading into new territory. Staying frozen in the past is not an option as an alluring future awaits.
Sports presents its own version of the encore in the form of a comeback. When an athlete announces their retirement, among the slew of well-wishes, congratulations, and thanks for the memories, are the fans’ hope that this is not the end. That somewhere down the line, they will see the athlete compete again. In most cases, that is a futile thought. However, there is always hope. Tom Brady. Rob Gronkowski. Michael Jordan. Brett Favre. All returned to the sport that they loved after announcing their retirement.
Rodeo is not immune to an athlete unretiring and returning to the dirt. The question ends up being who and when? The latest version of this inquiry was answered as Marcus Mast, who retired at the beginning of last year’s Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Camping World Team Series, entered last weekend’s Kubota PBR Charleston Pendleton Whiskey Velocity Tour event at Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, WV.
To understand the magnitude of this comeback, Mast’s incredible journey must be told. Mast grew up on a dairy farm within an Amish community in Middlebury, Indiana. When you think of bull riders, you usually think of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Brazil. Definitely not the Amish in Indiana. However, bull riding attracts all kinds. Mast’s first exposure to bull riding was through his older brother Nate. His brother would sneak away from his community and get on bulls at a venue in Van Wert, Ohio. This act of defiance intrigued Mast and when he turned 16, he decided to try his luck on a bull at an event. The out did not go as planned as he was bucked off. He was battered, bruised, and in obvious pain. Pain has a way of building fortitude, and Mast knew then that he wanted to continue getting on bulls. The event created the foundation for the work ethic that he became known for. His output was characterized as hard-working, unassuming, stop-at-nothing, and pushing forward until he defied the odds.
Following this revelation, a period of growth and development followed. Mast began by entering jackpot events at Van Wert and earning a buckle as the series winner. Next, he attended Gary Leffew’s Bull Riding school and competed in Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association (SEBRA) events. From there, he participated in PBR (Professional Bull Riders) and Championship Bull Riding (CBR) events.
Through gaining experience, it was evident that Mast was waiting for his breakout moment. A chance to show everyone the result of his years of determination and sacrifice. In 2020, he was ranked 45th in the world and announced as an alternate for the PBR World Finals. Mast waited by the phone, hoping for a call. And the call came. Five riders scratched due to positive COVID-19 test results. Mast was in. He was riding in the PBR’s biggest event, among legends in the sport. Mast ended up going 0-for-3 in the event, but this lit the spark to reach for more.
Mast continued improving his craft and in 2022, declared his eligibility for the inaugural PBR Team Series Draft. The PBR Team Series was the biggest innovation within the PBR and spots on one of the eight inaugural teams were highly sought after. He may have been seen as a longshot to some, but the potential was visible. Just like with the PBR World Finals, he needed an opportunity to show it.
At the inaugural PBR Team Series Draft, five starter members were chosen for each team. Mast was not a part of that group. However, all hope was not lost. Each team had up to 7 riders that they could add to their roster from the free agent list. It was during that process that Mast received the call that he was seeking. J.W. Hart, nicknamed the “Iron Man” for his renowned toughness as a bull rider and Head Coach of the Kansas City Outlaws, was interested in adding him to the team. He saw Mast’s tenacity and knew that it could be molded into something greater. There was one catch. Hart thought Mast was too bulky and challenged him to lose weight before the team’s training camp. Challenge accepted.
Mast transformed himself into a leaner, more fit version of himself. He picked up running and arrived at training camp down 23 pounds. Hart did not recognize Mast. Immediately, he became the heart and soul of the team, eventually earning the title of Team Captain. When the team was looking for direction and experienced growing pains, they would lean on Mast. The Kansas City Outlaws ended up 7-12 for the regular season. However, Mast was the standout for the team. He did not just run with the opportunity, he excelled. Mast went 16-for-31 in the season for an outstanding 51.61% riding percentage. His success catapulted himself to Number 3 in the Teams MVP standings.
Mast rode this momentum and qualified for his second PBR World Finals in 2023. He then prepared to lead his team for the second season of the PBR Teams Series. The thing about bull riding is that it is unpredictable. Plans often go awry at a moment’s notice. Mast would experience a teams season that would be full of highs and lows. In June, he was getting tuned up for the Kansas City Outlaws’ first games by competing at an amateur event. While attempting to ride his bull, Mast was bucked off to the side. What should have been a routine dismount erupted into chaos as his hand got caught in the rope. As Mast was desperately trying to free himself, he was dragged down by the bull. Still trapped in the rope, the bull stomped all over Mast, tearing open his throat. The incident ended up being a brush with death as the wound was millimeters from hitting a major artery.
Darkness always leads towards light, and in the wake of misfortune was a career high. During his team’s homestead, Outlaw Days, Mast filled his familiar role of leading his team to victory. Earlier in the event, he had ridden Roc Solid for 88.50 points en route to his team being 3-0 on the weekend. That record placed them in a bonus round with the Austin Gamblers to determine the weekend’s event winner. As with countless instances before, the Kansas City Outlaws relied on Mast to bring home the win. Tasked with selecting a rider for Hoka Hey, the team confidently chose him. The decision proved fruitful as Mast rode the bovine for 8 seconds for a career-best 90.00 points and an event win for the team. When he was asked about his mindset after discovering that he clinched the win for his team, Mast modestly stated to PBR.com, “what a lot of people don’t realize is that this is a lot more than bull riding to us. It’s our life. It’s our livelihood. I’ll go to hell and back with these guys.”
After basking in the euphoria of a milestone, the pendulum swung to a valley of adversity. During Gambler Days, the homestead of the Austin Gamblers, Mast was matched up with Washita Red. As he attempted to ride the bovine, he was thrown into the air and fell hard on the dirt. The impact was gruesome as he landed directly on his back and was unable to get up. Mast ended up being back boarded and transported out of the arena. Immediately, prayers for himself flooded social media with countless requests for an update on his condition. Ultimately, Mast fractured the L1 Vertebrae in his lower back. This injury would take him down a recovery path that would last 9 months.
A break from injury refocused Mast and he had a goal in mind, to win a PBR Pendleton Whiskey Velocity Tour Series event. He did not just meet that goal, he exceeded it. In January of 2025, he went 3-for-3 to win the event in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Two months later, he entered twice and for his efforts, placed first and second in Fresno, California. The two wins, combined with 4 Top 5 finishes placed Mast in a position where he could do more than just win an event. He could win the entire series.
All eyes were on Mast during the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Finals in Corpus Christi, Texas. He had one opportunity to show the world that he came back stronger after his injury. And he was going to take it. For Round 1, Mast was paired with Vigilante. The matchup proved productive as he reached the 8 and received an 86.25-point score. He proceeded to Round 2 where his pairing with Shakira earned an 80.50-point score. Mast was 2-for-2 and headed to the Championship Round in third place. For his final out of the event, he drew Watch Out. The pairing was promising as Watch Out can produce bull scores over 43 points. However, bulls never follow a script and Watch Out had an uncharacteristically abnormal day. While Mast clung on for the 8, the bull earned only 31.50 points. This brought down his total score to 64.75 points. That score maintained Mast’s third place finish for the event. However, when the numbers were tallied, the score was strong enough to crown him the overall champion of the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour with 775.50 Velocity Global points.
Mission accomplished. Mast arrived, conquered three bulls, and was taking home the series champion buckle and a $50,000 check. As he celebrated in front of a rowdy crowd with his family next to him, he became overcome with emotion with visible tears in his eyes as he reflected on the importance of the moment. Mast led with gratitude as he explained his thoughts further to PBR’s Kate Harrison as, “yeah, you know, it didn’t really go the way the way I wanted to in the Championship Round. I got him rode. It wasn’t the greatest score of the night. But, we got the job done and I’ve been, like they’ve been saying, all year long, I’ve been beat up, bruised, and we’ve been powering it through. It is really amazing how God works. I was just kinda, in the beginning of the season, I was just kinda, whatever and didn’t really have any goals. My wife chewed my butt a couple of times, once, and asked me, you know, what my goals are for this year? And I said, well I’ve never won a Velocity. I said I’d really like to go win a Velocity and then go on and win the year end. And believe it or not, that weekend I won my first Velocity. And now we are standing here.”
With a major career milestone completed, the question on the fans’ mind was what is next for Mast? Most assumed that he would resume his role as Team Captain for the Kansas City Outlaws and remain the bedrock as they pushed for a team championship. However, life has a perfect way of revealing itself. The Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour series win was a circumstance of immense clarity for himself. The doubts were lifted. A new perspective emerged. And it steered Mast away from bull riding.
In July of 2025, at Wildcatter Days, the first event of the PBR Team Series, Mast was alongside his team behind the chutes. However, he was not geared up and ready to ride. Instead, he was here to share a message to the entire Western Sports world. In a shaken voice, Mast revealed that he was present to officially announce his retirement from the sport. He unveiled his motive behind the decision to the PBR’s Kate Harrison as, “yeah, you know, it’s been a fun run for me. It’s been, it’s been, a lot of ups and downs for me. A lot of highs and lows and, uh, I told my wife, I’d like to go out on top and maybe try to win the Velocity Tour and I got that accomplished. And I feel like it was part of God’s hand to help me accomplish that so I could retire in peace and I’m happy with where I’m at.”
With his mind clear and resolute, Mast transitioned into the next stage of his life. He was one of the lucky ones. He walked away when he wanted. With his health intact. He had nothing left to prove and memories that he, along with the Western sports fans, will cherish forever.
Walking away can have a boomerang effect. Distance has a way of reevaluating priorities. Maybe the grass is not greener on the other side. Maybe some are not meant to sit out and become a spectator. Whatever the reason, occasionally, someone finds themselves back at the starting point. The person arrives at a crossroads in their life. This is the encore. And a few have no choice but to face it head on.
When the Kubota PBR Charleston Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour daysheet was released last week, an entry shocked the Western Sports world and forced a double take. Marcus Mast. The rider who was enjoying six months of retirement was among the riders participating. PBR fans wondered if this addition was legitimate or an error? Turns out, it was not a misprint or a prank. The veteran bull rider was locked in and ready to ride.
Mast’s first test back was the bull Rumble Strips, brand new to the PBR. The matchup was perfect. Both athlete and bovine were beginning a new chapter in their career together. Each eager to show that they have what it takes amongst the fresh class of competitors. Mast slid up and nodded as the chute flung open. Rumble Strips spun to the left as he hung on and made the 8. Mast did it. First bull back and receiving a score. It was like he never left. For his efforts, Mast was awarded 83.90 points. Commentary brought up the possibility of a repeat Velocity Tour Series win. With the way that he rode, he put the whole locker room on notice.
For Round 2, Mast was paired with Voodoo Wizard. Voodoo Wizard spun away from his hand, causing him to buckoff at 4.76 seconds. The buckoff ended Mast’s night as he placed 11th in the aggregate and missed out on qualifying for the Championship Round by one placement. On the positive, he walked away healthy and ready for the next event.
The pertinent question then shifted to Western Sports fans wondering if there will be a next event? Was this a one-time appearance? Or the start of a run no one expected, but everyone needed? Mast quenched the questions through his reply on his Instagram account. He had posted a video documenting his first PBR ride back from retirement on the social media platform. Upon receipt of the video, one comment asked if this was an ongoing return? Upon receipt of the question, Mast warmly remarked, “I’m going back for one more for sure this weekend then we’ll see after that.” Mast is here to stay, at least for the short term. And the Velocity Tour just got more interesting with the inclusion of a fan favorite and major challenger for the series event title.
The encore.
Every sports fan holds on to the hope that an athlete’s career does not reach its eventual end. There is an ever-present allure that a moment in time can be frozen and then revisited later. The Western Sports world was not ready to say goodbye to the gritty, give-it-all-until-there-is-nothing-left, humble cowboy from Indiana. And now they do not have to. Mast has made his return in Charleston, West Virginia. The comeback is real. And it is up to him to decide how high he flies on this prolonged journey. Whatever he decides to do, fans will be soaking in every bonus second of the encore.
