Hero Dad Saves Son From Raging Bull During Texas Rodeo

Dramatic footage of a father putting his life on the line to protect his stricken son from a raging bull during a Texas rodeo has gone viral.

Landis Hooks has been hailed as a hero online after coming to the rescue of his 18-year-old son, Cody Hooks, during a recent rodeo in Belton.

In a video shared to Instagram, Cody Hooks can be seen being thrown from the bull just moments after leaving the gate. Apparently unconscious as a result of the fall, he lies motionless as the angry bull continues to run wild around the ring.

Several cowboys attempt to bring the bull under control, but the animal rages on and can soon be seen making a beeline for Cody Hooks.

Evidently sensing what is about to unfold his father, Landis, acts quickly, jumping into the ring to cover Cody Hooks' body.

As the bull charges towards them, Landis Hooks puts his own head between the animal and his son's skull, taking the brunt of the impact in the process.

The clip was posted to social media by Cody Hooks, who paid tribute to his father's courageous efforts.

"Not one to post falling off, but big thanks to my dad @hooks.landis and the bullfighters last night in Belton, Tx could've been a hella lot worse," he wrote.

You can watch the video here.

Cody Hooks wasn't alone in praising his father for putting himself in harm's way. Truegapeach wrote: "your Dad is amazing." Michael_walsh88 branded Landis Hooks a "freaking legend" for his heroics.

Tonybreezy113 agreed: "That's a hell of a Dad you got!" Bianka241 was in awe of "a father willing to lay down his life for his son!" Beardedtexanfishing said Landis Hooks showed himself to be a "pure cowboy" with his reaction, though luvbeinmom03 viewed it as powerful example of "a parents love."

According to KRTV, the incident occurred during a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event at the Bell County Exposition Center. The news outlet notes that Hooks is a relative newcomer to the professional bull riding circuit having completed his rookie season in 2021.

Newsweek has contacted Cody and Landis Hooks for comment.

Rodeo may be a popular sport in the U.S. but it remains a dangerous one.

In 2011, a study from the University of Calgary concluded that nearly 20 out of every 100,000 rodeo contestants suffered a catastrophic injury during the period from 2007 to 2009.

A catastrophic injury is defined as an incident in which an individual either dies or has their life altered in a significant way as a result of the injury.

To put that figure into further context, over the same period that rate stands at less than one in every 100,000 football players.