New Barrelman Announced for RODEOHOUSTON
New Barrelman Announced for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Source: New Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo barrelman John Harrison (left) stands with former HLSR barrelman Leon Coffee (right) during a photoshoot for the “passing of the torch” for the upcoming 2025 Rodeo, at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. (Photo by Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)
HOUSTON — Longtime barrelman for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Leon Coffee, has officially passed the torch to the new HLSR barrelman for the 2025 Rodeo, according to a Thursday press release.
John Harrison will be replacing Coffee, who spent 31 years in the barrel, for RODEOHOUSTON starting in 2025. Coffee handpicked Harrison as his successor, expressing confidence in his ability to captivate an audience.
“He is the perfect addition to RODEOHOUSTON, and I can’t wait to see what he brings to the arena next year,” Coffee said.
“We are excited to have John Harrison join us at RODEOHOUSTON. He has become one of the industry’s finest entertainers and we are thrilled to introduce him to our guests at RODEOHOUSTON,” Rodeo president and CEO Chris Boleman said. “While stepping into the legendary shoes of Leon Coffee in the barrel is no small feat, John is extremely talented, and we’re excited to see what he does at RODEOHOUSTON. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Leon, who will now captivate our audience from the stands and continue to be an integral part of our annual event.”
Related: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Renews Partnership with ConocoPhillips
Harrison has had quite the career as a barrelman so far, appearing 12 times at the National Finals Rodeo and winning the “Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Clown/Barrelman of the Year” and “Comedy Act of the Year” awards nine and eight times respectively. He most recently won both awards in 2023.
Harrison, a Soper Oklahoma native, travels the country year-round with his family, affectionately dubbed “The Clown Family” by rodeo fans and professionals.
“Becoming a part of RODEOHOUSTON feels like a dream come true! The privilege of following in the legendary footsteps of Leon Coffee is both an honor and a challenge I gladly accept. Back in 2002, when I first started doing rodeo acts, I never imagined I would be center stage at the most prestigious livestock show and rodeo in the world,” Harrison said. “Houston, thank you for this opportunity to make some unforgettable memories. I’ll see you in 2025!”
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will take place from March 4, 2025 through March 23, 2025. Harrison will be in the barrel starting opening night on March 4, at NRG Stadium.
