HOUSTON – The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has announced that famous barrelman Leon Coffee will be inducted into the 2025 RodeoHouston Hall of Fame.
Coffee, the only inductee in the Hall of Fame’s second class, has had a significant impact on the success and longevity of the Rodeo. The Hall of Fame honors individuals and animals for their contributions, with future inductees including Rodeo contractors, contestants, and stock personnel.
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Speaking of longevity, he began riding bulls as a child. In high school, the self-described adrenaline junkie took to bullfighting. After decades of performing at major rodeos across the country—acquiring dozens of injuries along the way—Coffee opted for a slightly safer occupation.
Thats what led Coffee to become the famous barrelman and clown for RodeoHouston. Donning face paint, the Blanco native provided family-friendly entertainment and comedic relief during the rodeo for more than three decades.
“The RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame is a lifelong celebration of those who have made a remarkable contribution to the Rodeo’s history, and Leon Coffee is a benchmark example,” Chris Boleman, the president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo said in a statement announcing Coffee’s induction. “Over his 31 years with RODEOHOUSTON, Leon has created a legacy on and off the dirt, making a dangerous job as a barrelman exciting and entertaining. RODEOHOUSTON is a better rodeo because of his dedication to the sport.”