Don Gay

Donald ("Don" or "Donnie") Gay is an American eight-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) world champion bullrider. Born in 1953 to Neal Gay and Evelyn "Cookie" Foster, he was only a year old when his mother died of leukemia. Neal then married Kay Gay, who raised Don and his brother Pete as her own. Don grew up in Mesquite, Texas, and started rodeo at age 6. His father, Neal Gay, was a well-known rodeo competitor and rodeo producer. Don was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979; his father was inducted in 1993, becoming the only father and son to receive that honor. Don retired from professional rodeo in 1989. In 2015, Don was inducted into the Class of 2015 Bull Riding Hall of Fame.

Gay now does live announcing at bull riding events across the United States. He was also a commentator for Professional Bull Riders (PBR) big-league events on TNN from 1994-2001, PRCA Xtreme Bulls big-league events on ESPN and Great American Country (GAC) from 2003–13 and Championship Bull Riding (CBR) big-league events on GAC from 2009-10. However, he continues to be involved in PRCA Xtreme Bulls and CBR, providing live announcing at some events, including the CBR finals. He also continues to provide additional color commentary for the bull riding during the live telecasts of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) each December. Starting in 2011, he now also runs his own semi-professional bull riding organization, the Don Gay Bull Riding Tour (DGBRT), which sanctions events annually across the United States. In 1997 he received the PBR's Heroes and Legends Ring of Honor.

In 2007 Gay was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame along with his brothers Pete and Jim. In 2006 the ProRodeo Hall of Fame created the Legends of ProRodeo award which is awarded annually. Again, Don and his father are the only two son and father combo to receive this award. Don received it in 2013, and Neal received in 2016. The award is given to individuals who have retired from participating in the sport of rodeo but have tirelessly continued to contribute to the sport aftwards.

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