Steer wrestler Rowdy Parrott is no stranger to the ups and downs of professional rodeo. But after a strong showing at last year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the Louisiana cowboy is carried confidence — and cash — into the end of the 2025 season.
“This is the best position I have ever been in at this point in the year,” Parrott said. “I have never had this much money won this early, and it is just a way better feeling going down the road knowing you can do your job without stressing about every single win.”
Parrott credits much of that success to his partnership with American Hat Company, which signed him just before the NFR last year. He joined through a personal friendship with Jake and Mercedes Bloomer, and the relationship quickly became a natural fit.
“My favorite part of being with American is just the values we share — faith, family, all of that,” Parrott said. “They are always there to help, super easy to deal with, and just great people across the board.”
While Parrott wears several different American hats on the road, he said he is not particular about which one tops his head. “They just send me whatever, and I roll with it,” he said with a laugh.
On the arena dirt, Parrott’s highlight of the season came in Nashville, where he captured the inaugural win at the city’s first professional rodeo. “That one really gave me momentum going into the summer,” he said. “Winning first there set the tone.”
Much of his recent success comes aboard Crush, the standout horse owned by world champion steer wrestler Ty Erickson. Crush was named Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year in 2024, and Parrott says the gelding makes his job easier. “When you are riding a horse like that, you do not have to worry,” he said. “You can just focus on the steer. A huge part of my success has been because of him.”
Parrott often hits the road with Erickson and fellow steer wrestler Gavin Soileau. His brother, Remey, joins them at times as a hazer, a setup that adds comfort to the grueling rodeo schedule. “It is really nice having good friends and especially my brother out there with us,” Parrott said.
The 31-year-old cowboy did not slow down as the regular season wound towards its September finish. With big-money rodeos like Puyallup, Sioux Falls and Pendleton on the line, Parrott planned to “keep the hammer down.”
“At the NFR last year, I won fifth, but money-wise it was not a lot,” he said. “This year, the goal is to win as much as possible going in because it can all come down to those last rounds in Vegas.” Parrott’s career reached a milestone last December when he earned his first NFR round win after three previous appearances in Las Vegas. “That was something I had worked so hard for and envisioned for so long,” he said. “I had been close with seconds and thirds, but to finally get that win was awesome. It just lit a fire knowing how close I was in the average, and it gave me confidence moving forward.” He wears the go-round buckle proudly. “I worked hard for that one, so I am going to wear it,” he said.
Outside of the arena, Parrott and his wife, Lynette, run a family business — Crawfish Outlet to Geaux — which he says had its best year yet. The venture not only provides a steady income but also allows the family to spend time together when he is home. His wife and three children often travel with him during the first part of the summer, though the school year keeps them closer to home in the fall.
With family, faith, strong horsepower and solid backing from American Hat Company, Parrott believes 2025 could be his best season yet. “I am really confident going into the NFR this year,” he said. “I think it is going to be our best year.”
