Jacob Talley stands out as one of rodeo’s most accomplished steer wrestlers, having qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo five times throughout his career.
The Louisiana native turned his late start in rodeo into a remarkable professional journey, earning close to $1 million in career earnings and establishing himself among the elite bulldoggers in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
In this article, you will know Jacob Talley’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Jacob Talley’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacob Aaron Talley |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1991 |
| Age | 34 years old |
| Hometown | Keatchie, Louisiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Turned Pro | 2010 |
| NFR Qualifications | 5 times (2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
| Wife | Bailey Talley |
| @jacobtalley50 |
Early Career
Jacob Talley grew up in Keatchie, Louisiana, where football dominated his early years rather than rodeo. He played football throughout his youth and pursued the sport at a high level, with coaches who discouraged him from steer wrestling due to injury concerns.
His father Jeffrey didn’t grow up in rodeo either and started bulldogging around age 30, competing locally while running a water well drilling company. When Jacob turned 19, he attended his first bulldogging school after seeing a former high school football teammate competing in steer wrestling at a local amateur association finals.
The transition from football to rodeo came naturally for Talley, who picked up the skills quickly at the bulldogging school. He knew immediately that steer wrestling was something he wanted to pursue seriously, bringing the same competitive drive from football into his new career.
At age 20, Jacob began riding horses and learning the fundamentals of rodeo, which marked a late start compared to most professional cowboys who grow up immersed in the sport.
His father supported his journey, and they learned the professional rodeo circuit together since neither had experience traveling the rodeo road.
Professional Career
Jacob Talley joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2010 and started competing seriously in 2016, which became his first full season on the professional circuit.
He connected with a group of fellow cowboys who taught him the importance of traveling together to rodeos, something he hadn’t known was necessary for success. That first complete season in 2016 resulted in his inaugural NFR qualification, launching what would become an impressive career.
He competed at the Thomas and Mack Arena again in 2018 and 2020, with his 2020 season being particularly strong as he entered the NFR ranked second in the world standings.
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Talley’s career hit a challenging moment in 2019 when he tore his pectoral muscle at the Red Bluff rodeo in California, forcing him to take time away from competition.
He came back stronger in 2020 with some of his best performances, including winning the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo where he earned over $15,000 with three runs clocking 4.2 seconds or faster.
His victory at the ProRodeo Tour Finale in Rapid City showcased his elite skills with times of 3.7 and 3.6 seconds, earning him $8,500 for less than 8 seconds of total competition time.
Wife
Jacob Talley married Bailey Talley, and the couple welcomed their son Christian in March 2023. The family resides on the Circle T Ranch in Keatchie, Louisiana, which has been a part of the Talley family legacy.
Bailey experienced pregnancy complications that caused Jacob to significantly reduce his rodeo schedule in 2022 and early 2023, attending only 13 rodeos during that period.
He refused to leave home until he knew both Bailey and Christian were healthy and safe, demonstrating his commitment to family over professional pursuits.
Jacob Talley’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jacob Talley’s net worth stands close to $1 million, with sources indicating he was less than $40,000 away from reaching the million-dollar career earnings milestone as of recent competitions.
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $101,453 (regular season) |
| 2021 | $150,000+ (estimated with NFR) |
| 2020 | $90,000+ (estimated with NFR) |
| 2018 | $60,000+ (estimated with NFR) |
| 2016 | $50,000+ (estimated with NFR) |
| Career Total | Approaching $1,000,000 |
Endorsements
Jacob Talley partners with Durango Boots as a sponsored athlete and brand ambassador, representing the company as a Team Durango member.
Durango features Talley prominently on their website, showcasing his success as a four-time (now five-time) NFR qualifier and promoting the boots he trusts in competition.
Professional steer wrestlers typically receive endorsement deals from western wear brands, hat companies, rope manufacturers, and truck brands, though specific details about Talley’s other endorsement agreements have not been publicly disclosed.
His social media presence on Instagram under the handle @jacobtalley50 provides promotional opportunities for sponsors and allows him to connect with fans and potential brand partners.
Career Stats
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| NFR Qualifications | 5 (2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023) |
| Best World Standing Finish | 3rd place (2021) |
| Career Earnings | Approaching $1,000,000 |
| Fastest Time (2023) | 3.4 seconds (multiple rodeos) |
| Major Wins | San Antonio, Fort Worth, ProRodeo Tour Finale |
| 2023 Regular Season Earnings | $101,453 |
| 2023 Starting NFR Position | 11th place |
| Best Average Time (2020) | 5.49 seconds per run |
| Top Single-Event Payout | $23,500 (San Antonio 2024) |
FAQs
1. How many times has Jacob Talley qualified for the National Finals Rodeo?
Jacob Talley has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo five times throughout his professional career, earning spots in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2023. He entered the 2021 NFR ranked first in the world standings and finished that year third overall in the final PRCA standings.
2. What is Jacob Talley’s career earnings total in professional rodeo?
Talley’s career earnings approach the $1 million mark, with reports indicating he was less than $40,000 away from reaching that milestone. His 2023 regular season alone brought in $101,453, and his best years have included major paydays from premier rodeos like San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Houston.
3. Did Jacob Talley play football before becoming a professional steer wrestler?
Talley played football throughout his youth and prioritized the sport over rodeo during his early years because his high-level coaches worried about injuries from bulldogging. He didn’t start steer wrestling until age 19 when he attended a bulldogging school after seeing a former high school football teammate competing.
4. Why did Jacob Talley take time off from rodeo?
He significantly reduced his competition schedule to stay home with his wife Bailey during pregnancy complications and after the birth of their son Christian in March 2023. Talley attended only 13 rodeos during that period, refusing to leave until he knew both Bailey and Christian were healthy.
5. What was Jacob Talley’s fastest steer wrestling time?
Talley recorded multiple runs of 3.4 seconds during the 2023 season, which were his fastest times that year. These blazing runs came at several rodeos including the Dixie National Rodeo in Mississippi, San Angelo Cinch Chute Out, Crossett Riding Club in Arkansas, and Ogden Pioneer Days in Utah.
