Dad shields son from bull after he’s knocked unconscious at Texas rodeo, video shows

About three seconds after bull rider Cody Hooks entered a Texas rodeo arena, he was thrown off the raging bull, video shows.

Hooks was knocked unconscious and laid out on the dirt near the gate, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Bull fighters tried to get the agitated bull under control, as seen in a video Hooks shared to Instagram on Feb. 13.

Seven seconds after Hooks was slammed onto the arena floor, his father, Landis Hooks, jumped on his son and covered his body, shielding him from the bull.

A quick second later, the charging bull slammed into the dad as he protected his son, the video shows. The audience is heard collectively gasping in shock.

“You see that cowboy lay his life over the top,” an announcer is heard saying.

Hooks said he is “not one to post (a video) falling off,” but he felt compelled to thank his dad and the bull fighters in Belton.

The 18-year-old was competing in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PCRA) event at the Bell County Exposition Center after finishing his rookie season in 2021, KXXV reported.

“Could’ve been a hella lot worse,” Hooks wrote in his video caption.

The video received hundreds of comments, many praising the man’s dad for his swift response.

“Your dad is the definition of a MAN,” one person said. “So glad everyone is ok.”

“Dad of the year,” said another Instagram user.

“Your dad is amazing,” another comment says. “That fierce and protective love of a parent…wow. There was no hesitation as he used his body to shield you. That’s love. That’s strength. That’s a real man. God bless you both.”

Belton is about 60 miles northeast of Austin.

This story was originally published February 28, 2022 at 10:32 AM with the headline "Dad shields son from bull after he’s knocked unconscious at Texas rodeo, video shows."