Each award honors a segment of the bull riding or rodeo community, and each recipient has made a substantial contribution to the sport of bull riding. The PBR Ring of Honor is given annually to individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the sport of bull riding. It is both a physical ring, and a fellowship of men whose blood, sweat, heartaches and handshakes have been instrumental to the present and future of the sport. The Ring of Honor is the highest honor a professional bull rider can receive.
Crimber came from humble beginnings, growing up in Olimpia, a small town five hours outside Sao Paulo, Brazil. His father left when he was 6 and his mother had to work, so young Paulo was mostly left to fend for himself.
And I can say bull riding saved me. God used that to save me. Crimber credits America with essentially being his father β teaching him how to be a better man, be a better friend, be responsible, help people. Finding out his wife, Maria, was pregnant with his son, John Crimber , was a clarifying moment. I dedicate my life to my family. It was this that helped him pull himself out of a dark place. When he was 28, he broke his neck for the first time. On his first bull back after five months on the sidelines, he broke it again, and his career was over.
Crimber was stuck in a recliner for six months, unable to work, let alone ride bulls, and says he contemplated taking his own life. Countless riders have stayed at his home in Decatur, Texasβalways rent-freeβwith around 50 now living in the area. Crimber goes with injured riders to the hospital to translate and help them with paperwork and assists with visas and event entry fees. This is just an honor that you may or may not ever receive.
Robson did not know any English when he first arrived in the United States, and translation apps were still years away. Therefore, Robson did a lot of his learning on the fly. He was taking the trash out one day from his apartment when a series of people in the neighborhood began cussing him out. Eventually, millions of people would know who Robson Palermo was β and not because of an accidental college football hat. This ring is going to be the World Champion buckle I never had the chance to win.
