Tuf Cooper has been an American Hat endorsee for years. “American Hat believed in me since day one. Just to be part of the legacy and be able to represent Keith Maddox and for them to believe in me was huge. It’s easy for me to ride for their brand; our values line up and that’s what makes the brand. None of this happens without Keith Mundee and when they brought Stan Redding on board, they had the team.”
Tuf Cooper is turning his attention from his rope to his wife, Tiffany, and daughter, Tru Fashion, born Sept. 20. “Being a dad is second to none,” said the 32-year-old from his home in Decatur, Texas. “I went to 40 rodeos this year – and I’ve been able to be home more. It’s been amazing to experience the growth of your child and pray continually for her.” Tuf has been practicing for the role with his 20 or so nieces and nephews.
The 13x NFR qualifier is heading back to the Thomas & Mack this December. “This is a very competitive awesome sport that we play. To do it at this level, you need a very big team, that goes with sponsors and supporters of your team. Your sponsors help make this lifestyle as awesome as it is.” Tuf admits when he gets home, he doesn’t want to leave. He also realizes that he still has goals to strive for in rodeo. “God has put me here to do and be my best – Covid has taught me that there’s a balance.” Tuf and Tiff are hoping to be able to get a bus and take their daughter on the road with them starting next spring.
In the meantime, Tuf is practicing at home with his team and making it work. “I’ve had a few rough spots in my life and I feel I had to go to those places to learn that God is a part of each and every thing – His love is in our hearts and as long as I’m getting out of my own way, I’m at my best. It’s a hard lesson to learn.”
“Roping has been a job for me since I was 14 years old,” he said. Tuf won his first All Around title at the age of 6. “I made a living with it for twelve years before I fell off for a year (2016) – I’d practice maybe for a day before going to a rodeo. I had to figure this thing out.” He came back in 2017 and won the All Around. Then he admits, “I got too big for my britches. But it led me here so I’m thankful. It’s all I knew and all I saw, that’s what’s fun. I still get to go back and relive this a little bit and get another chance to do it differently. I was trying to be my best, but my heart wasn’t fully there. There was too much on my mind to be in any one spot at any one time. I realize that to be my best, I must be grounded and that’s a daily work.
Tuf saw his new look on life come to life in Castle Rock, Colo., during a summer rodeo. “I was by my trailer and these kids were roping the dummy and they asked me to come rope with them. One of their parents walked up and realized that it was me (a world champion) and the little kids decided I was their best friend. God wants us to take what he has in our hearts and just like a child, come to him, and enjoy His love.”
“I’m so thankful being in the western community and given this opportunity – God is here in this western way of life.”
