Beloved bullfighter and clown Leon Coffee announces retirement from Houston Rodeo

In Houston, Texas, the time has come for a legendary figure to bid farewell to the RodeoHouston arena. Leon Coffee, the beloved rodeo clown and barrel man, has officially announced his retirement.

Coffee, a revered member of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, will be hanging up his face paint and iconic barrel at the conclusion of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Renowned for his wit and charm, Coffee has entertained audiences nationwide for decades with his antics as a bullfighting clown. However, behind the makeup and humorous facade lies a serious responsibility.

“I’m the barrel man. I’m like an island surrounded by sharks,” explained Coffee. “I have to stay out of the way but be ready to intervene if necessary.”

In conversations with in 2022, Coffee provided insights into the mental and physical demands of bullfighting. Despite the inherent risks, he approached his role with a blend of courage and caution.

While his final appearance at RodeoHouston is imminent, Coffee assures fans that this isn’t the end of his rodeo journey. Although he’ll be taking his final bow at the event, he intends to remain a familiar face at rodeos for years to come, ensuring that his legacy endures beyond the arena.