Rick Young, the legendary American bullfighter and rodeo clown known affectionately as “The Ragin’ Cajun” and later “The Agin’ Cajun,” passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 92. Spanning over six decades, his remarkable career made him a beloved and iconic figure in professional rodeo, celebrated for his quick wit, agility, and unwavering dedication to protecting cowboys. Following his passing, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) published an official tribute titled 'ProRodeo Hall of Fame Bullfighter/Clown Rick Young Passes Away,' honoring his monumental impact on the sport. His passing marks the end of an era for many in the rodeo community, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, bravery, and unparalleled showmanship.

Born on March 3, 1934, in Houston, Texas, Young was raised on his family's Appaloosa horse ranch near Tickfaw, Louisiana. He initially harbored dreams of becoming a collegiate football player, having earned All-State honors in both football and basketball. However, after being deemed too small for the Louisiana State University football squad, his path took a different turn when he joined the rodeo team. He later transferred to Southeastern Louisiana University, graduating in 1959 with an Animal Husbandry degree. During his college years, Young competed in various rodeo events, including bareback riding, bull riding, roping, and steer wrestling, using his earnings to fund his education.

Young’s entry into the world of rodeo clowning was, by his own account, accidental. He stepped in to fill for a no-show clown and quickly discovered his natural talent for entertaining crowds and, more critically, for distracting dangerous bulls. This impromptu beginning blossomed into a full-time profession, leading him to work with the Kinney Brothers rodeos across Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. As his career progressed, he joined the Rodeo Cowboys' Association and later transferred to Rodeos Incorporated before becoming a free agent. This independence allowed him to selectively book his shows and gave him time to manage his Appaloosa horse herd.

Throughout his extensive career, Young worked countless rodeos from Florida to Connecticut, Calgary, and Hawaii, earning a reputation as one of the toughest and most respected figures in the arena. He proudly covered all aspects of being a rodeo clown, fighting some of the most formidable bulls and crafting some of the most memorable acts in the business. His commitment to the sport was evident in his continuous performances, often working through pain and enduring injuries such as broken ribs, a broken leg, and a broken jaw. His exceptional skills brought him numerous accolades, including working the prestigious National Finals Rodeo in 1974 and the Wrangler Bull Fights from 1980 to 1983. He was honored with the PRCA Clown of the Year Award in 1980 and received the Coors Man in the Can Award multiple times in 1991, 1994, 1996, and 1997.

After dedicating his life to the arena, Young officially retired from rodeo in 2019 at the age of 85. His contributions to the sport were recognized with inductions into several esteemed institutions, including the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 2004. Later, in 2022, he received one of the highest honors in the sport with his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, cementing his place among rodeo’s greatest legends. He also made appearances in several films, including "Alvarez Kelly," "The Great American Cowboy," and "Everybody's All-American," further showcasing his versatile talent.

Beyond the rodeo arena, Rick Young and his wife, Bernie Lee Young, maintained a family business dedicated to breeding and marketing top-quality Appaloosa horses. This passion for horses was deeply rooted in his upbringing on the ranch near Tickfaw, Louisiana, which remained his lifelong home. His life was a testament to hard work, resilience, and a profound love for the Western way of life. Rick Young’s legacy will be remembered not only for his daring acts and comedic timing but also for his unwavering spirit and the countless lives he touched and protected. He embodied the heart and soul of rodeo, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring generations of cowboys and entertainers.