NEWS RELEASE
The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame proudly announces its 2026 Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees: Pete Carr, Russell deCordova, David Isham, Jim Jennings, and Joe Leathers, with the Spirit of Texas Award honoring Neal McCoy.
The annual celebration, presented by The Norris Foundation and JJ & Bobby Norris, will take place at Billy Bob’s Texas on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will feature cocktails, a silent auction, and a cowboy-inspired dining experience leading up to the 7 p.m. induction ceremony.
Tickets are $200 per person or $2,000 for a reserved table of eight and are available now at www.tchof.com. Proceeds benefit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame’s reimagined 20,000-square-foot museum expansion, educational programs, and ongoing preservation efforts.
The Courtyard Marriott Historic Fort Worth Stockyards is the official host hotel for this year’s event.
Sponsorship opportunities provide valued partners with special recognition throughout the evening and offer meaningful ways to support the mission of celebrating Western heritage. Sponsors receive tailored benefits designed to highlight their support.
For sponsorship details or additional information, contact Andrea Ruby at 817-614-7287 or Andrea@texascowboyhalloffame.org.
Did you know? The Fort Worth Stockyards welcome more than 10 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular Western heritage destinations in the United States. The Hall’s expanded, immersive galleries will continue to honor more than 185 inductees from ranching, business, entertainment, rodeo, and agriculture. The return of the Hickman Wagon Collection will further enrich the visitor experience and highlight the craftsmanship and history of the Western way of life.
To learn more about the capital campaign, naming opportunities, or how to support the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame’s mission, email Andrea Ruby at Andrea@texascowboyhalloffame.org.
2026 Honoree Biographies
Pete Carr
Pete Carr stands at the pinnacle of professional rodeo, renowned for his world-class livestock and unwavering commitment to the sport. A 15-time PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year nominee and the 2024 Resistol Man of the Year, Carr’s influence can be seen at every major rodeo in the country, from Fort Worth and Houston to San Antonio and the National Finals Rodeo. His animals are legends in their own right, including Dirty Jacket, a two-time PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year, and Bayou Bengal, the 2023 Bucking Bull of the Year. Carr’s dedication to rodeo excellence, animal care, and the Western way of life has made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Russell deCordova
Russell deCordova was born in Paris, Texas, and resided in Groesbeck, Texas. He is a champion bull rider, stock contractor, and rodeo producer known for his lifelong dedication to the sport of rodeo. As the owner of deCordova Rodeo Company, he produced PRCA, UPRA, and youth rodeos across Texas for more than four decades. Russell has mentored countless young rodeo athletes, always encouraging them to be their best in and out of the arena. His passion for the Western lifestyle and commitment to preserving rodeo heritage continue to inspire the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls.
David Isham
A lifelong cowboy and visionary entrepreneur, David Isham is the founder of National Roper’s Supply (NRS), one of the largest and most respected brands in the Western and rodeo world. From his headquarters in Decatur, Texas, Isham built NRS into a destination for competitors and fans alike, combining retail, roping, training, and hospitality into one Western experience. Through the NRS Training Center and his generous support of youth programs and industry events, he has helped shape the next generation of ropers, riders, and horsemen. His leadership, integrity, and passion for preserving Western heritage have made a lasting mark on the Texas cowboy community.
Jim Jennings
Jim Jennings has spent a lifetime telling the stories of the American cowboy. For 37 years with the American Quarter Horse Association, he chronicled the history of great horses, ranches, and horsemen through The American Quarter Horse Journal. An AQHA Hall of Fame member and recipient of multiple Wrangler Awards from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, he has preserved the legacy of the Western lifestyle through his writing, television work, and podcast, Good Horses. Jennings’ storytelling captures the spirit of the cowboy, ensuring that the traditions and values of the West continue to inspire future generations.
Joe Leathers
Joe Leathers is the general manager of the legendary 6666 Ranch and one of the most respected ranch leaders in the West. A lifelong rancher and horseman, Leathers began his career working cattle across Texas and Oklahoma before joining the Four Sixes in 1999. Under his leadership, the ranch has endured drought, wildfire, and expansion while maintaining its historic excellence in cattle, horses, and land stewardship. He helped found the U.S. CattleTrace program and has represented ranching before the Texas Legislature and Congress. A cowboy of faith, grit, and integrity, Leathers exemplifies the spirit of the working rancher and the enduring Texas way of life.
Spirit of Texas Honoree: Neal McCoy
Neal McCoy is a Texas-born country music legend whose energy, charisma, and patriotism have made him one of the most beloved entertainers in America. With hit songs like “Wink,” “No Doubt About It,” and “The Shake,” McCoy has built a career rooted in authenticity and heart. He has earned multiple Entertainer of the Year awards and is known for his unwavering support of the U.S. military, performing countless shows for troops around the world. Beyond the stage, McCoy embodies the values of kindness, humor, and service that define the Texas spirit, making him a true ambassador of the Western way of life.
Media Contact
Andrea Ruby, Executive Director
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
817-614-7287
Andrea@texascowboyhalloffame.org
www.tchof.com
