Cody Webster was born on April 30, 1992, in the heart of rodeo country, where effort, preparation, and zero excuses define the path forward.

By age ten, he was already bullfighting under the guidance of Frank Newsome: protecting riders, mastering timing and positioning, and learning real responsibility in an arena with no room for mistakes.

He cut his teeth traveling the rural Oklahoma and Texas rodeos, the unsung circuits that forge true professionals. Around that time, as a young PT/ATC working those same events, I frequently crossed paths with Cody. I was hauling gear, patching up cowboys, and raising young triplets, Will, Tate, and Cora, amid the chaos of rodeo grounds.

Cody was always exceptional with my kids: patient, kind, fully present. Not out of obligation, but because that is who he is. Over the years, he and Ashley “Smash” Webster welcomed my family into their lives, even inviting us to their wedding. They are real, good people, and that character shines brightest in moments like this comeback.

The Injury That Changed Everything

In May 2025, at the Music City Rodeo in Nashville, a bull launched Cody past the outgate and into the alley gate, violently dislocating and severely injuring his right shoulder. It was not minor. It could not be taped, braced, or powered through indefinitely.

This was not due to a lack of preparation. Cody had always shown up ready. After Nashville, he grinded through physical therapy, rotator cuff strengthening, and stability work, trying to keep the shoulder functional. Structurally, however, repeated dislocations made each one easier, more violent, and more dangerous.

Then came Reno. The shoulder dislocated again, hard. That was the turning point: Cody knew it was not sustainable.

After Reno, he called me. No complaints, no panic, just a clear plan:

• Finish Cheyenne Frontier Days.
• Schedule surgery for August 6.
• And the honest question: “If I do this right… can I get back to the NFR?”

A Professional’s Decision

Bullfighters earn their spot at the National Finals Rodeo through a peer vote, one of the sport’s highest honors. Cody understood the stakes.

He completed Cheyenne Frontier Days at full performance level, exceeding expectations, before proceeding with the next step in his plan. On August 6, he underwent a major reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder: a Latarjet procedure with bone graft, combined with SLAP repair and biceps repair. The four-and-a-half-hour operation required him to sit out the remainder of the regular season.

Physiologically, true healing takes time: about six months for bone, labrum, and tendon integration. Motivation doesn’t shorten biology.

The Work Nobody Sees

Rehab started immediately and was intentionally conservative.

Early phases focused on passive/assisted motion, wrist/forearm mobility, light activation, and strict adherence to post-surgical limits. No shortcuts. No ego.

As healing progressed and pain allowed, we layered in advanced tools to accelerate progress safely:

• Pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation (Stimpod) for pain management and nervous system calming
• Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training to build strength and muscle with minimal loads
• Manual Therapy, myofascial release, and muscle energy technique for neuromuscular control and tissue quality

These evidence-based approaches, combined with daily home exercises and consistent in-clinic sessions, made the difference. In an August 21, 2025, PRCA Chute Bosses interview during early rehabilitation, Cody directly credited our team at Taylor Physical Therapy for the hands-on work that restored range of motion and strength ahead of schedule. He emphasized the collaboration, noting how it rebuilt mobility, allowed him to hit milestones faster after the initial six-week bone graft healing phase, and gave him the confidence to return. With this setup, he said there was “no doubt” he would be ready.

Cody was all in. If we aimed for two sets of ten and quality dropped at eight, he would finish the last two anyway, grinning like, “I don’t stop at eight.”

A verse that fits him: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.” — Colossians 3:23.

We introduced controlled roping motions for coordination; videos arrived showing solid form (though Ashley wisely reminded us of the risks, we adjusted quickly).

Moments That Matter

One day in the clinic, patient Skip struggled to get onto a recumbent bike. Cody stepped in naturally, coaching him, supporting him, and building his confidence. When Skip finished, Cody introduced himself. Skip recognized him instantly. They talked, and Cody ended with, “Work hard every visit.”

Skip still mentions that day and still shows up strong.

Behind the scenes, Frank Newsome pulled me aside during one session: “Is he really ready? The last thing I want is for him to get hurt again.” I was honest: healing was ongoing, but functionally, he was strong, stable, and mentally locked in.

After the Finals, Frank called again just to say thank you.

The Finals and Beyond

Despite missing a substantial part of the summer rodeo season because of his injury and recovery, Cody earned a peer vote to return and work his 13th National Finals Rodeo. He was also named the 2025 PRCA Bullfighter of the Year, marking his sixth consecutive year receiving this honor and a powerful recognition of his exceptional performance, remarkable resilience, and the profound respect among his peers.

Before the first rider even set, Cody, Dusty Tuckness, and Austin Ashley took on an exhibition fight with a massive, aggressive Spanish bull. Cody left his feet—no easing in.

I told him later, “You’re our comeback of the year.” And I meant it.

What This Comeback Really Means

Cody’s story proves that when physiology is respected, healing prioritized, and progressive loading applied intelligently with advanced tools, clear communication, and a committed team, extraordinary progress is possible, even on tight timelines.

This wasn’t ignoring science; it was anchoring to it while meeting real-world demands.

At Taylor Physical Therapy Health and Wellness Hub, we’re honored to have supported Cody’s journey, integrating regenerative principles with physical therapist-led programs to help elite athletes like him reclaim their lives stronger and more confident.

But this story belongs to Cody Webster: a true professional, a teammate, a man who shows up fully every time.