Richard Neale "Tuff" Hedeman, a renowned American rodeo cowboy, was born on March 2, 1963. He is a celebrated bull riding specialist who has achieved unparalleled success throughout his illustrious career.
Throughout his career, Hedeman has claimed numerous prestigious titles, including the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) bull riding world championship on three separate occasions, specifically in 1986, 1989, and 1991. Furthermore, he has also emerged victorious in the 1995 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) world championship and the 1993 world championship for the now-defunct Bull Riders Only (BRO) organization.
In addition to his impressive rodeo accomplishments, Hedeman is also recognized for his significant contributions to the sport. He is one of the co-founders of the PBR and has been closely associated with the late rodeo icon Lane Frost. Hedeman's storied rivalry with the infamous bucking bull, Bodacious, has become a legendary aspect of his career.
Hedeman's leadership skills have also been utilized in various executive roles within the rodeo industry. He has served as the President of the PBR and later as the President and Ambassador of Championship Bull Riding (CBR). In 2018, he founded his own bull riding organization, the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour (THBRT).
In 2023, Hedeman was ranked No. 2 on the list of the top 30 bull riders in PBR history, solidifying his status as one of the greatest bull riders in the sport's history.
