In the wild world of reality TV, where fame and fortune collide, one contestant’s backstory stands out like a bucking bronco in a quiet pasture. Rylie Jeffries, the rugged cowboy from Oklahoma who stormed into Big Brother Season 27, has a tale that’s equal parts grit, glory, and jaw-dropping revelation. After 15 years of facing down ferocious bulls in the arena, this 27-year-old thrill-seeker has endured shattered jaws (twice!), broken legs, and countless bruises. Yet, despite the blood, sweat, and sheer determination, his earnings from the prestigious Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit? A staggering $0. That’s right—the man who chased the American dream on the back of a raging beast walked away empty-handed before stepping into the spotlight.
Rylie Jeffries from Big Brother.
Man riding a bull in a rodeo.
Rylie’s rodeo journey kicked off in earnest with his PBR debut in 2019, where he clawed his way to a global ranking of 308th. Undeterred, he hit the circuit hard, touring across the U.S. and landing at #159 in competitions spanning Oklahoma and Missouri that same year. Picture this: a towering 6’4″ cowboy clinging to beasts named Shattered Dreams, Bad Liar, and Buzz, each ride a heart-pounding gamble between triumph and disaster. But the pandemic threw a wrench in the works, halting events and forcing a hiatus.
Fast-forward to 2022, and Rylie roared back into action on the PBR Challenger Series. He battled it out at high-stakes events like the Evansville PBR Presented by Shoe Sensation in Indiana and the Nothin’ But Try Ranch PBR in his home state of Oklahoma. His rankings? A respectable #246 globally in the Challenger Series and #160 domestically. Impressive stats on paper, but here’s the kicker: across all these rodeos, Rylie never claimed a single victory. Lifetime PBR earnings? Zilch. Nada. Zero dollars.
Lately, this resilient rider has shifted his sights southward, becoming a regular contender in Mexico’s bull riding scene, including repeat appearances at Cuernos Chuecos in Pachuca. While details on his south-of-the-border payouts remain murky, one thing’s clear: Rylie’s passion for the sport burns brighter than ever, even if the cash hasn’t followed suit.
Before trading the dusty arena for the drama-filled Big Brother house, Rylie hyped up his cowboy credentials in a pre-season interview that oozed confidence. “I think I have what it takes to win Big Brother because I have the mindset,” he declared. “I’ve ridden bulls for 15 years, and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I’ve been thrown, been bucked off. I’ve been thrown down, broken legs, jaw twice, and I haven’t quit.” As a “small town kid with some big old dreams,” he saw his Hollywood move as a once-in-a-lifetime shot. “It’s everything I’ve always wanted in life. I never expected to be sitting in the freaking [diary room] right now, but here I am! And everything happens for a reason. I feel so blessed.”
Bull rider competing in front of a crowd.
Rylie Jeffries signing autographs for fans.
Rylie Jeffries, Big Brother star, and another man in a radio interview.
When asked what unique edge he’d bring to the show, Rylie doubled down on his roots: “A bull riding ‘son of a’ that means business, baby! I don’t know if y’all ever had a bull rider on this. But I mean business. I know what I want, so that’s what I bring to the show. I bring the damn determination, baby, the grit. And I ain’t letting go. They’re gonna have to try like hell to get me out of this damn house. I promise you, it ain’t gonna be easy.” He touted his high energy, positivity, and one-of-a-kind vibe, claiming folks often say, “Man, I’ve never met a guy like you before in my life.”
Rylie Jeffries from CBS’s Big Brother.
Rylie Jeffries and a woman sitting on a red couch.
Rylie Jeffries, Big Brother season 27 contestant.
But the Big Brother arena proved tougher than any bull. Fans weren’t buying Rylie’s charm; his interactions, especially with houseguest Katherine Woodman, sparked backlash. Viewers labeled his comments “creepy,” igniting calls for his removal before he was ultimately evicted last Thursday. In the end, the house bucked him off—just like those beasts he’s spent years conquering.
From zero-dollar rodeos to reality TV eviction, Rylie’s story is a raw reminder that the American dream isn’t always paved with gold. It’s built on unbreakable spirit, wild risks, and the unyielding will to get back in the saddle. Catch Big Brother Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 8 pm EST on CBS, with 24/7 live feeds on Paramount+ and PlutoTV. Who knows what bucking adventure comes next for this cowboy?