Stetson Jorgensen Anticipated to Miss Several Months of 2026 Season Due to Injury

With six National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifications under his belt, professional steer wrestler Stetson Jorgensen has amassed an impressive $1.37 million in career earnings. He finished in the top seven in the World Standings five of those years, including a Reserve World Championship in 2020.

The Blackfoot, Idaho, cowboy is currently ranked No. 3 in the 2026 World Standings, with just over $52,000 in season earnings. Jorgensen recently claimed a major victory at the Cedar Gap Wealth Management Xtreme Bulldogging Finals in Abilene, Texas, where he banked $12,752.

Jorgensen Sustains Right Knee Injury in San Angelo

Stetson Jorgensen at the 2025 NFR | Nathan Meyer Photography

Unfortunately, while competing in slack at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo the day after his big win in Abilene, Jorgensen suffered a knee injury that will drastically impact his 2026 season. He tore the ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee and is scheduled for surgery.

The estimated recovery time is four to six months, but as usual, Jorgensen is positive and focused on the future. He shared a short statement on social media:

"Today’s update isn’t what I was hoping for. Unfortunately at San Angelo I tore some ligaments in my knee and will have surgery next week. Looking at about 4–6 months of recovery.

It’s tough, but setbacks are a part of rodeo and I am staying focused on the big picture. Trusting God’s plan, putting in the work to get well, and focusing on getting back in the arena as soon as possible.

Thank you for all the prayers and support!"

Jorgensen expounded on those thoughts to PRORODEO,

"It's God's plan, and something is going to happen better in the future... I'm going to take this time to hang out with my little one and family and get stronger," Jorgensen shared with the PRCA via text message.

Like most rodeo athletes, Jorgensen has powered through many obstacles in his career and will undoubtedly be back in the arena stronger than ever.

For the 32-year-old cowboy, one of those recent challenges was an unanticipated horse change. Over the past few years, he has dominated the event aboard 88 Ranch's Patrionic Dash, lovingly known as "Mable." With Mable sidelined, Jorgensen has been relying on the palomino gelding he calls Fling.

Jorgensen's wife, Kellie, formerly ran barrels on the son of A Streak Of Fling, out of NFR barrel racing mare Morning Traffic (Michelle Darling's "Martini"). Fling has stepped up for Jorgensen on many of the biggest stages in rodeo throughout the winter building run.

We wish Stetson a speedy recovery and cannot wait to see both him and Mable back in action later this year.