Cody Custer

Cody Mark Custer (born August 30, 1965) is an American former professional rodeo cowboy who specialized in bull riding. He competed in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Bull Riders Only (BRO), and Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuits. In 1992, he was one of the co-founders of the PBR and won both the BRO and PRCA bull riding world championship that same year.

Early life Custer was born in Kingman, Arizona, to Jim and Dixie Custer. He began riding bulls at age 13 and won Wickenburg High School championships in 1983 and 1984, before joining the PRCA in 1985. He also qualified for the PBR World Finals in 1994, 1996, and 1998 through 2003. He qualified for the NFR again in 1998 and 1999, then focused solely on PBR competition beginning in 2000.

After retiring from competition, Custer had served as PBR director of judging and on the organization's Rules and Regulations Committee for several years. He has also led bull-riding clinics around the United States and worked with young riders on both riding skills and conduct outside the arena.

In 2025, the Western Sports Foundation named Custer the recipient of its Ted Weise Memorial Award, which recognizes service, mentorship, and faith in the western sports community.

Personal life Custer's younger brother Jim Bob was also a professional rodeo cowboy. He specialized in saddle bronc riding and bull riding and competed in the PRCA and PBR. He qualified for the PBR World Finals in 1994 and 1996. Since retiring as a contestant, he now works as a professional rodeo announcer.

Cody's oldest son Aaron, 18, was killed in a car accident on August 16, 2011, one day before he was set to start his first semester at Southwestern Oklahoma State University as a member of the rodeo team. He was a passenger along with his friend, Benton Drury, 18, who was also killed. Their friend, Shane Frey, 19, was the driver and survived the ordeal with internal injuries. A scholarship fund was established in honor of Aaron Custer.

Cody's younger son Brett started his bull-riding career professionally in the PRCA in the late 2010s to early 2020s. He has since transitioned to the semi-professional circuit.

Cody has spoken publicly about his Christian faith. In a profile published by the Christian Broadcasting Network, he discussed the role of faith in his life after professional bull riding.