Award-winning rodeo clown and barrelman, John Harrison to join RODEOHOUSTON® in 2025
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo today announced John Harrison as the new RODEOHOUSTON barrelman for the 2025 event. Harrison will succeed Leon Coffee, who rolled his barrel out for the last time at the 2024 Rodeo.
“We are excited to have John Harrison join us at RODEOHOUSTON. He has become one of the industry’s finest entertainers and we are thrilled to introduce him to our guests at RODEOHOUSTON,” said Rodeo president and CEO, Chris Boleman. “While stepping into the legendary shoes of Leon Coffee in the barrel is no small feat, John is extremely talented, and we’re excited to see what he does at RODEOHOUSTON. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Leon, who will now captivate our audience from the stands and continue to be an integral part of our annual event.”
Harrison is one of the most accomplished barrelman in the sport, having made 12 appearances at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and named Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Clown/Barrelman of the Year in 2023, his ninth time winning the award. Harrison also took home Comedy Act of the Year for the eighth time in 2023. Originally from Soper, Oklahoma, Harrison and his family, known as “The Clown Family,” among rodeo fans and professionals, now travel across the country year-round as a group.
“Becoming a part of RODEOHOUSTON feels like a dream come true! The privilege of following in the legendary footsteps of Leon Coffee is both an honor and a challenge I gladly accept. Back in 2002, when I first started doing rodeo acts, I never imagined I would be center stage at the most prestigious livestock show and rodeo in the world,” explained John Harrison. “Houston, thank you for this opportunity to make some unforgettable memories. I’ll see you in 2025!”
The selection of Harrison as Coffee’s successor was made with great care, with the rodeo legend himself playing a pivotal role in the decision. Leon Coffee personally handpicked Harrison, expressing confidence in his ability to captivate audiences at RODEOHOUSTON. “He is the perfect addition to RODEOHOUSTON, and I can’t wait to see what he brings to the arena next year,” expressed Coffee.
Harrison will join RODEOHOUSTON at NRG Stadium on opening night, March 4, 2025.
About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $600 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2025 Rodeo is scheduled for March 4 – 23. The 2025 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 1. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.