Rockdale native and professional bull rider Ezekiel “Blue” Mitchell and the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) were forced into a five-week hiatus on March 14 because of COVID-19. Like most obstacles in his life, Mitchell found a way through it and has found a way to continue to excel.
“ The hiatus was tough because this is my only source of income,” Mitchell said. “But like everyone else, I just had to take it on the chin. I knew that God would make a way.”
Mitchell has made a name for himself becoming a rising star for the PBR. At 23, Mitchell ranks No. 23 in the standings with eight career PBR wins. He has acquired $190,000 in career earnings, according to the PBR.
“Being a cowboy is something I always wanted to do,” Mitchell said. “My dad used to take me to rodeos when I was young. I read books about becoming a cowboy, so I got a horse and started riding it through town.”
Mitchell started his bull riding career from the very bottom. He didn’t have the background, connections or money to learn how to ride a bull. Therefore, he had to watch YouTube videos in order to learn the basics.
Mitchell said, his father Danny sold scrap metal in order to get him to competitions and pay the fees. They also repaired saddles on the side.
Mitchell made his PBR debut in 2016. He said he never thought he would make it this far, but he knows he put in the time and effort to get to the professional level.
“My Dad always told me to aim high with my dreams,” Mitchell said. “I knew this was what I wanted so I just kept working at it.”
Mitchel said he was inspired by many athletes to become a bull rider. One was Charlie Sampson, the first African-American cowboy to win a World Title in professional rodeo in 1982. He was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1996.
“He paved the way for guys like me to be able to do this.” Mitchell said. “He knew what he wanted and didn’t let anything stop him.”
Mitchell said that he wants to inspire young people that their dreams can be accomplished no matter what their background may be.
“The same dreams and goals that I had when we were making saddles are the same dreams I still have now,” Mitchell said.” I want to be a world champion. I want to show people that you don’t have to match the status quo. You can create your own status quo. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what color you are. If you have a dream and determination you have to go after it.”
Mitchell will be participating in the Monster Energy Team Challenge in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on July 10-12. The event will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network.
Mitchell is the son of Danny Mitchell Sr. of Rockdale and Janie Davis of Baytown. He attended Rockdale Junior High School before moving out of town.
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