Ain't No Bull

I'll be honest when I say that the most I know about the Pro Bull Riding circuit is that the competitors ride bulls and try not to get killed. I know that Carey Price is a big fan, and he routinely takes in competitions during the off-season. I know that riders are sometimes injured during these competitions as the angry, thrashing bovine has little regard for human life in this contest. What I didn't know is that the bull pictured above is named Gretzky or Gretsky, depending on who you ask, and that The Great One has a stake in the bull riding game!

Back in 2008, NFL legend John Elway and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky jumped into the Professional Bull Riders' world as shareholders through Spire Capital, a private-equity firm that partnered with the PBR in 2007! Both Gretzky and Elway know Ty Murray, founder of the PBR and a Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer.

"In sort of watching it as an outsider, the PBR is a lot like NASCAR," Gretzky told USA Today's Gary Mihoces. "They really do a tremendous job of involving the fans, and corporate sponsorship is really strong. And they're worldwide."

I would have never taken Wayne Gretzky to be a PBR fan, let alone an investor. I know Mr. Gretzky has invested in a number of ventures in terms of having a varied financial portfolio, but the Professional Bull Riders' circuit is one of those things where you'd never even think a hockey legend would be interested in. Instead, Wayne threw his support behind the PBR, and the rest is history!

As for the other Gretzky in this equation, he's simply a brute force!

The Great One and Gretzky the bull: two forces to be reckoned with!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!