Fred Whitfield has lived an amazing life, and he isn’t done yet. An 8X world champion calf roper and professional cowboy, Fred now works with the Moffitt team! Below we cover the basics of the interview with this amazing man. If you want to see the full interview, you can watch it here.
The Early Years
Growing up in Cypress, Texas, Fred’s mother worked for the Moffitts. Despite an age difference, Roy Moffitt took a liking to Fred and began teaching him the art of roping. “We lived right across the street, and so…I mean it was a stone’s throw. I could be at home doing something and I could look across there and the lights be on in the arena at night…” For most of his youth, Roy roped nearly every day, perfecting his craft. He credits this early training and experience with his success.
He also credits his mother and Roy’s mother, Joanne Moffitt. Fred’s parents divorced when he was a child. Luckily, his mother and Roy’s mother were both intensely supportive of his rodeo training. These factors helped Fred overcome tough circumstances to be a champion.
Off to the Rodeo
Whitfield’s career really took off when he began competing in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in the late 1980s. He quickly established himself as one of the top calf ropers in the world, winning his first PRCA championship in 1991. This was just the beginning of a remarkable run of success for Fred Whitfield, who went on to win eight world championships in calf roping over the course of his career.
Whitfield’s success in the arena is a testament to his skill and dedication as a rodeo cowboy. He has competed in more than 20 National Finals Rodeos and has won countless other major rodeo events. His accomplishments include setting the world record for the fastest calf roping time ever recorded, a feat he achieved in 1997 with a time of 6.5 seconds.
Beyond the Arena
Whitfield’s influence extends beyond the rodeo arena, as he has also been a vocal advocate for the sport and its traditions. He has served as a spokesperson for the PRCA and has worked to promote rodeo to a wider audience. In addition, he has been a mentor and role model for countless young rodeo athletes, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.
Whitfield’s memoir, Gold Buckles Don’t Lie, was published in 2013. It is highly regarded as a classic inspirational tale of American grit and success.
When Fred decided to leave the professional competitive side of rodeo, his first job was driving a truck for Moffitt. Less than a year later and Fred was getting trained to work sales. “Today I’m as excited as I ever was to be with the company…”
Despite his many achievements, Whitfield remains humble and grounded, always quick to credit his family, his mentors, and his fellow rodeo athletes for his success. He is widely respected and admired by his peers, and his legacy as a rodeo cowboy and ambassador for the sport will endure for many years to come.
Fred Whitfield has lived a life of remarkable success and achievement. His dedication to the sport of rodeo and his unwavering commitment to excellence have made him a legend in the rodeo world and an inspiration to many. We can all learn from his example and strive to be the best we can be, both in and out of the arena.
