NFR Icon SHAWN DAVIS

He’s been compared to army generals, orchestra conductors and coaches, but the truth is Shawn Davis is all of those in one package.

For the past 32 years, Davis, a three-time world champion saddle bronc rider, has been the leader at the helm of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He started as general manager of the event in 1986 and is now handing the reins over to Boyd Polhamus.

It’s another milestone in a career that goes far beyond riding bucking horses. Davis was a long-time rodeo coach at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, a program that has developed many world champions. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.

Davis has served on the PRCA Board of Directors, was the president from 1982–85 and had the deciding vote of moving the NFR from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas.

“I felt like Las Vegas was a place to help bring rodeo into the future,” Davis said. “It’s been a great ride. My staff has been outstanding, and I couldn’t have done this without them. Now I’ll get to sit back and watch what happens next.”