Austin Gamblers

Michael Gaffney

HEAD COACH

In the illustrious realm of bull riding, few names command the respect and admiration that Michael Gaffney does. A legend in his own right, Gaffney's bull riding career left an indelible mark on the sport. Armed with unyielding determination and unshakable courage, he blazed a trail of greatness, amassing an astounding thirteen 90-point rides and achieving the seemingly impossible feat of taming the legendary bull Little Yellow Jacket not once, but twice in 2004, with spectacular rides of 93.75 and 96.5.

Gaffney's biggest triumph came in 1997 when he was crowned the PBR World Champion, a title that solidified his status as one of the PBR's all-time greats. In those early years of the PBR, the sport was still finding its footing, and Gaffney was at the forefront of this daring revolution. Gaffney's journey to greatness was a testament to the unwavering grit and unbreakable spirit that defines a true champion.

Retiring from bull riding in 2005, Gaffney's passion for the sport burned brighter than ever. Determined to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with the world, he seamlessly transitioned to providing expert analysis for the PBR's television broadcasts. His keen insights and captivating commentary brought a whole new dimension to the sport, enriching the viewing experience for fans worldwide.

Today, Gaffney stands tall as not only a bull riding icon but also as a coaching legend. His wealth of experience and deep understanding of the sport make him a guiding force for the Austin Gamblers, a beacon of inspiration for the riders under his tutelage. With every word of wisdom, every piece of advice, and every encouraging nod, he shapes the future of bull riding, molding champions and instilling the same fire and tenacity that once defined his own journey.

From his fearless rides atop mighty beasts to his pivotal role in shaping the sport's future, he exemplifies the spirit of a true warrior, a man who defied destiny and triumphed against all odds. With each passing day, his legend grows, his influence stretches far and wide, and the legacy of the great Michael Gaffney continues to shine brightly, a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.

Adriano Moraes

DIRECTOR OF BRAZIL OPERATIONS

Adriano Moraes, the iconic Brazilian bull riding legend, serves as the Director of Brazil Operations for the Austin Gamblers. With an illustrious career as the PBR's first World Champion in 1994 and three-time titleholder, Moraes brings an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and experience to his role. Moraes takes charge of scouting and developing the team's riders, while also providing coaching and instruction throughout the campaign.

Adriano's passion for the sport is contagious, and he sees the Austin Gamblers' presence in Brazil as a catalyst for raising the professionalism of local bull riding athletes. His vision transcends boundaries, aiming to eliminate language barriers and ease the transition for Brazilian riders venturing to compete in the United States.

As a mentor and role model to many, Adriano's mission is clear: to leave a lasting impact on the fans, riders, and the sport he holds dear. With a record 12 World Championships earned by Brazilian riders, Adriano's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent ensures the Austin Gamblers will continue to flourish and shape the future of bull riding.

Adriano Moraes stands poised to revolutionize bull riding in Brazil and beyond, inspiring a new generation of champions to rise to greatness. The Austin Gamblers have found a gem in Adriano, and together, they are set to conquer new horizons and rewrite the history of bull riding.