Tie-Down Roper Marty Yates Sidelined from Competition Following Injury

Heading into the lucrative spring and summer runs, professional tie-down roper Marty Yates has been sidelined following a knee injury sustained in competition.

The 31-year-old Stephenville, Texas, cowboy has built an impressive resume throughout his 15-year career in professional rodeo and is pursuing his 12th career trip to Las Vegas in 2026.

An 11-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, Yates has amassed nearly $2.3 million in PRORODEO earnings. He is currently ranked No. 5 in the 2026 World Standings, with $39,704 in season earnings.

Yates had been selective with his competition schedule for the 2026 season, staying in his home state so far, but capitalizing on the high-paying Texas Swing rodeos. The nephew of 17-time Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Champion, J.J. Hampton, rodeo and roping are in his blood.

After a successful high school rodeo career, Yates college rodeoed for Tarleton State University and then began his professional career. Since 2014, he has only missed one NFR (2023). The NFR Average Reserve Champion has also competed in team roping, earning All-Around Cowboy titles at rodeos across the country.

A Drastic Turn in Waxahachie

Unfortunately, Yates' 2026 season took a turn while he was competing in slack at Waxahachie, Texas, on March 26.

CalfRoping.com shared that Yates sustained a bucket-handle meniscus tear with displacement, along with a tear in the lateral meniscus and damage to the lateral collateral ligament. Yates is scheduled to undergo surgery on April 15.

Dr. Tandy Freeman, the savior of countless rodeo athletes' careers over the past few decades, will be Yates' surgeon for the procedure. His extensive experience with cowboys and rodeo-related injuries will help guide the team's next steps after further assessing the damage during the surgery.

Beyond the known damage from Yates' MRI, there are concerns about further nerve and muscle involvement. The full nature of the injury will not be clear until surgery, but with Yates unable to bear weight on the injured leg, Dr. Freeman has opted against a simple scope procedure.

Tie-down ropers step off of their horses with momentum pulling them in two directions: their run forward to the calf and a backward pull as their horse stops. While knee injuries are the bane of any athlete's existence, having full strength and range of motion is critical for a roper like Yates.

The expected recovery period is 4-6 months, but that timeline could change, depending on what is found during surgery. We wish Yates a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in the arena soon.