Brazile keeps ropin’ to win

After winning his first three all-around world titles from 2002-04, Trevor Brazile began to take his success for granted, and it cost him a chance at another gold buckle in 2005.

He hasn't let up since.

Rededicating himself to his craft, the roper regained his throne in 2006 and has captured the last six all-around crowns.

"My biggest key is knowing how blessed I've been and not taking things for granted, and never cheating the work ethic that got me my first one," Brazile said. "In 2005, I felt like I wasn't on my game because I had taken some of it for granted. But I told myself I was never going to do that again."

Aside from that speed bump, Brazile has seemingly always been on top of his game and enters this year's National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on the cusp of several impressive milestones. The NFR opens its annual 10-day run at the Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday.

Armed with a substantial $103,512 lead over Steven Dent, Brazile has all but clinched his unprecedented 10th all-around title and record seventh straight - which will break a tie with Ty Murray (1984-89) and Tom Ferguson (1974-79).

The world title also would be the 17th of his career, which would break a tie with Jim Shoulders for most multi-event titles and put him a gold buckle away from tying Guy Allen for most total world titles, with 18.

Brazile could match that mark with a win in team roping - an event he leads with partner Patrick Smith.

"I would like to have the total buckle record," the 36-year-old said. "It's just fun to have some sort of goal. I've been a pretty goal-oriented guy my whole life."

Allen, who won all of his world titles in steer roping, expects Brazile to eventually shatter his mark.

"He might double it," Allen said. "He's just a phenomenal athlete, and his work ethic is phenomenal.

"I don't know if anyone will break his records. I probably won't be living if they do. Until he wants to quit, he's still going to be winning."

At the beginning of his career, Brazile's goal was simply to earn a living in rodeo.

"If you had told me I'd be able to make a living with a rope, that would've been good enough for me," said Brazile, who has made a lucrative living for his wife and their two children, with $4.5 million in PRCA career earnings.

Allen, who competed with Brazile's father, Jimmy Brazile, said Trevor Brazile is very deserving of his success.

"I've known him since he was still in his diapers," he said. "He works at it, and he's still a good family man. He's a great guy for somebody to look up to."

A team roping title would make Brazile the only man ever to win multiple world titles in four categories: all-around (2002-04, 2006-11), tie-down roping (2007, 2009-10), steer roping (2006-07) and team roping (2010) - an event he takes special pride in.

"That's probably what I work the hardest at because I know my partner's livelihood depends on it," he said. "I don't take that lightly."

The determined roper - who not surprisingly has a clothing and merchandise line called "Relentless" - also is one NFR round win away from equaling Billy Etbauer's record of 51.

Despite his extensive list of accomplishments, Brazile still has a hard time seeing himself as one of the best cowboys ever - alongside the likes of Murray, Shoulders, Allen, Larry Mahan, Joe Beaver and Roy Cooper, who was one of his mentors.

"I just always considered myself a fan of those cowboys more than in the same sentence," he said.

There are no doubt countless young cowboys who would love to be listed in the same paragraph as Brazile, who continues to rewrite the NFR record book and shows no signs of slowing down.

"I have more passion because of the way I want to go out," he said. "Now everything seems to be more in perspective, with how cool my career has been, being able to make a living doing what I love to do."

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.