News Summary
Dan Mortensen and Shawn Davis will be recognized as Vegas NFR Icons during the upcoming Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for their contributions to rodeo. The celebration will occur at the Thomas & Mack Center, where both athletes will receive commemorative bronze statues and have their names honored in the arena. Mortensen, a seven-time PRCA world champion, and Davis, a three-time world saddle bronc champion, have made significant impacts on the sport’s history and growth. Benny Binion will also be recognized for his contributions to rodeo.
Las Vegas, NV – Dan Mortensen and Shawn Davis will be honored as Vegas NFR Icons at the upcoming 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, taking place from December 4 to December 13 at the Thomas & Mack Center. This recognition highlights their substantial contributions to the sport of rodeo and their impressive records in competition. Also receiving recognition is contributor Benny Binion, as announced by Las Vegas Events.
The honored athletes are set to be celebrated during the rodeo performances scheduled for December 5 and 6. Each will receive a commemorative bronze statue and will have their names immortalized with a banner unfurled in the rafters of the arena, marking their legacy within the sport.
Dan Mortensen, a standout from Billings, Montana, is renowned for his remarkable career that includes being a seven-time PRCA world champion. Mortensen has made history by qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo a total of 16 times and was the first roughstock cowboy to surpass $2 million in career winnings, finishing with a total of $2,555,716. His retirement from rodeo came in 2008, after which he was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2009. David Allen, the general manager of the NILE, emphasized Mortensen’s status as Montana’s most successful rodeo athlete.
On the other hand, Shawn Davis hails from Whitehall, Montana, and is recognized as a three-time world saddle bronc champion with titles won in 1965, 1967, and 1968. Throughout his career, Davis qualified for the NFR 12 times, showcasing consistent excellence in rodeo competitions. He also held the position of NFR general manager from 1986 until 2018, playing a crucial role in the future of the event. Notably, in 1985, Davis cast the decisive vote to relocate the NFR from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas, solidifying the city’s status as a premier rodeo destination.
The inclusion of Benny Binion as a third honoree further highlights the event’s acknowledgment of significant contributions to the rodeo community. The public recognition of Mortensen and Davis not only honors their extraordinary careers but also commemorates their impact on the sport and its growth.
In summary, both Dan Mortensen and Shawn Davis will receive prestigious recognition in 2025 during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, celebrating their notable achievements and lasting legacy in the rodeo world. As fans and participants gather in Las Vegas for this annual event, the honor serves as a reminder of the remarkable talent and dedication present in the sport of rodeo.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Sun: Dan Mortensen and Shawn Davis honored at NFR
- Wikipedia: National Finals Rodeo
- Baker City Herald: Baker County Steer Wrestlers
- Google Search: 2025 National Finals Rodeo
- Cowgirl Magazine: Kirsten Vold Retires
- Google Scholar: Rodeo History
- SI: Dolly Parton at NFR
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rodeo
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
