Built for the Ride: Morgan Merrill’s rodeo journey

Photo courtesy of Morgan Merrill

Morgan Merrill was born to be a bull rider.

“Ever since I could walk and talk, all I ever wanted to do is ride bulls,” Morgan shares.

Although his family didn’t have a strong history in the sport, he felt drawn to rodeo from an early age.

“We’ve always been around rodeo, but I'm the first one in my family to actually take it seriously,” he explains. “My grandpa rodeoed a little bit, but my dad never got into it.”

The Start of Greatness

Growing up outside of Fort Worth, Texas, Morgan was surrounded by the Western lifestyle and quickly discovered an affinity for the sport of rodeo.

“My parents threw me on a sheep when I was four, and I just took off from there,” he recalls. “I moved up through the ranks—sheep, calves, and all the youth deals.”

Even as a child, Morgan found success in the rodeo pen, winning his first buckle at age four. From there, he continued to excel, qualifying for the Youth Bull Riders World Finals in Abilene, Texas, at age eight.

“I actually won a world title in mutton busting,” he says, laughing. “I think I was the first one to ever win the mutton busting there.”

That win earned young Morgan a trophy, a belt buckle, a saddle, and a check.

“I got one of those big presentation checks for almost $2,000,” Morgan recalls. “For a little kid, that was like being a millionaire.”

After honing his skills throughout junior high and high school, Morgan landed a spot on the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Rodeo Team. After graduating with an Ag Business degree in May 2024, Morgan chose to pursue a master’s degree at OSU while continuing his college rodeo career.

Setbacks and Comebacks

Like many rodeo athletes, Morgan’s road to collegiate success hasn’t been without roadblocks. In fact, he has faced significant setbacks and injuries over the last five years.

Photo courtesy of Morgan Merrill

“Growing up, I never really got hurt,” Morgan recalls. “As soon as I got to college, all those years of good luck kind piled up and it seemed like I couldn't stay healthy for anything.”

In April 2021, Morgan dislocated his shoulder and required surgery that kept him off the rodeo circuit for about five months. After a successful recovery, he returned to competition—only to tear his PCL at the first rodeo after his hiatus.

“I was in the denial stage,” Morgan admits. “I tried to shake it off for two months and didn't get my knee checked out. But it didn't get any better. It felt like a knife was just going through the back of my knee.”

Although some athletes are able to continue competing with a torn PCL, Morgan’s injury made it impossible for him to ride his best. When his doctor suggested a brace and physical therapy, Morgan chose to follow that plan and sit out of competition for another three months.

Upon release from physical therapy, Morgan made a triumphant return, winning his first rodeo back in competition with very little preparation. But the victory was short-lived. Just three months later, a freak accident on a practice bull re-injured Morgan’s previous injury to his shoulder.

“I went to brace myself on the ground and that shoulder that was already been fixed once just gave out on me,” he shares. “Looking back now, even if I'd never hurt it in the first place, it still would have had some kind of tear in it, because of the way I landed.”

Photo courtesy of Morgan Merrill

Although he tried to tough it out without undergoing another surgery, his shoulder worsened with every ride. By June of 2023, he knew it was time to take a break.

“I had a good summer job, so I decided to work through the summer and get everything fixed when I went back to school that fall,” Morgan explains. “My senior year, I got everything fixed—my shoulder and my knee. I ended up saving a year of eligibility, so I'll be able to rodeo both of my graduate years.”

Lessons Learned

After undergoing procedures in December 2023 and April 2024, with recovery in between, Morgan hit the ground running, ready for success. Through the process, he gained a greater appreciation for the value of taking care of his body.

“When I first got the college, I definitely wasn't doing all the things I needed to do to take care of myself,” Morgan admits. “Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of the experiences I had, but I probably would tell myself to take care of my body a little more.” 

Although he has always enjoyed working out, Morgan didn’t understand the importance of focusing on certain muscle groups to maintain strength and prevent injuries. Now, after earning personal training certifications, he’s helping others learn how to be intentional in the gym. He has also learned the value of good nutrition, even when it’s not easy.

“When you’re on the road, it's a little bit harder to pick and choose what to eat,” he explains. “But you have to give your body the fuel it needs.”

Finding Support

Throughout his collegiate rodeo journey, Morgan has attended Western Sports Foundation (WSF) clinics and worked with WSF providers to improve his understanding of all the facets of health as a high-performing rodeo athlete.

“When I was first came to college, I had no idea about any of this stuff,” he admits. “Working with WSF has opened my eyes, from nutrition to physical fitness and even mental performance.”

Photo courtesy of Morgan Merrill

Now, he’s taking advantage of the resources available through OSU and WSF while he earns his master’s degree.

“I have two more years to dial in, so when I graduate, I can just hit the road and make a run at the NFR,” Morgan shares.

As he reflects on his own experiences, Morgan continues to look for opportunities to help those who are following a similar path.

“Don't be afraid to learn,” Morgan advises. “You may think you don't need help, but there is always something out there that you can get better at or learn more about.”