Diefenbach, Darrell
Contract Personnel • Inducted 2023
“Bullfighting is one of the most unselfish things a person can do. For me to offer my own safety and well-being for that of another human being – that is one of the greatest sacrifices one person can make for another.” Darrell Diefenbach made this statement to the ProRodeo Sports News in 2013, and he has proved that statement true time and again.
The “Thunder from Down Under” grew up around the Australian rodeo scene. His father was a bull fighter and saddle bronc rider who encouraged his son to give rodeo a try. At 17, Diefenbach entered the arena and never looked back. After winning the 1996 and 1997 Australian Bullfighting Championships, Diefenbach decided it was time to try for the National Finals Rodeo. He started the 1998 season with the goal of reaching the NFR in five years. It only took him three.
In 2001, Diefenbach was chosen to work his first National Finals Rodeo. He would be selected for the next 11 years (twelve total), only missing the 2006 and 2008 NFRs due to injury. He was awarded the Bullfighter of the Year title in 2008. Diefenbach was also chosen to work five National Circuit Finals Rodeo. Before it moved to the NFR Open in Colorado Springs, Diefenbach was the only bull fighter to work the Circuit Finals in all its locations.
