“Oh my gravy!” as Jet and Cord McCoy might say. The self-styled cowboys from Oklahoma came close to winning The Amazing Race’s top prize of one million dollars – they came in second to brothers Dan and Jordan Pious. But in popularity, the cowboys are surely number one. Want to learn more about these cowboys?
Amazing Race Cowboy Cord
Cord McCoy, the red-headed cowboy, is 29 and the younger of the two brothers. He lives in the small town of Tupelo, Oklahoma (population 359), and is a professional bull rider. That experience came in handy in a few of the challenges he and brother Jet faced during The Amazing Race.
Not surprisingly, Cord enjoys horses, and is proud of his achievement of riding world champion bucking bull “Big Bucks.” He is a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Fans of this wholesome cowboy will not be surprised to learn that he is firm in his beliefs and lists his parents as his role models, and his brother as his best friend.
Life has not been a smooth run to the finish for Cord. In 2004, while performing at the Oklahoma City State Fair Rodeo, he was bucked off and a horse kicked him in the head, “pretty much crush(ing) my skull.” Cord spent three days in intensive care, with doctors drilling a hole in his skull to relieve the pressure. Cord underwent months of therapy before literally jumping back into the saddle six months later.
Had Cord won the million, he would have bought a big ranch. You might be surprised to know that he has no radio or TV in his house. In the future, he would like to get married, have lots of babies, and live happily ever after (I have the feeling that he’s going to get plenty of proposals in the near future!).
Amazing Race Cowboy Jet
Older by a year, 30-year-old Jet is a cowboy who lists brother Cord as his hero and loves to read. The more reserved Jet has had his share of rodeo adventures as well, breaking his wrist once during competition.
Had he won the million, Jet had the sensible goal of paying off his Ada, Oklahoma, house.
A Little Cowboy History
Jet and Cord are the youngest of Denny and Janet McCoy’s five children (older siblings are brothers Justen and JoRay, and sister Nikki). Jet and Cord may be new to Amazing Race fans, but fans of professional rodeo events have known about the brothers for years. About ten years ago, Cord became the first high schooler to win the all-around title at the International Finals Rodeo. Jet was named Rookie of the Year.
Jet and Cord began riding early. Older brother Justen says that he put the boys on ponies while they were still in diapers. Though they would fall off, they would just get back on. “They were tough kids,” he says.
Amazing Race Cowboys
One thing fans love about the cowboys is their easy, friendly rapport and the way they get along with each other so well. The cowboys offer none of the stressful drama evident in so many of the racing teams. Cord offers the fact that the brothers are used to traveling together 50 days each year as they go to various rodeos, so they are used to each other’s company.
Jet and Cord’s manners, respect for other racers and for those they encountered on the race, and gentle, easy humor make them one of the most popular Amazing Race teams ever. Oh my gravy – the future looks bright for these two!
SOURCES:
RodeoTrib.com: Pro Bull Rider Cord McCoy Enjoys Wild Ride
CBS.com: The Amazing Race: Jet and Cord
SIVault: These Guys are the Real McCoys
