Matt Merritt

Professional Barrelman

A photo montage of professional barrelman, Matt Merritt, posing in different outfits and poses. A photo montage of professional barrelman, Matt Merritt, posing in different outfits and poses.

About Matt Merritt

Known for his impeccable humor and impressive dancing skills, Matt has cemented his place as a favorite rodeo clown among fans of all ages. Matt started working with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) in 2014. Since then, his popularity has skyrocketed, with each performance garnering him more admirers.

Professional Barrelman, Matt Merritt, wearing a red shirt, white cowboy hat, and smiling, with his hands under his chin, trying to look cute. Professional Barrelman, Matt Merritt, wearing a red shirt, white cowboy hat, and smiling, with his hands under his chin, trying to look cute.

His career has taken him across the globe, performing in 48 states, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Matt has a unique talent for incorporating local flavor into his performances, making each show feel tailor-made for his audience.

Matt Merritt has spent nearly half his life as a professional rodeo clown and barrelman, a role that involves entertaining the crowd and protecting the cowboys during the bull riding at rodeos.

A surprising skill that Matt believes is crucial for a rodeo clown is public speaking. Despite his extensive experience, Matt admits that public speaking still makes him nervous, likening the anticipation to the moments before a bull hits his barrel.

Professional Barrelman, Matt Merritt, and his wife and two daughters posed in front of a white wall. Professional Barrelman, Matt Merritt, and his wife and two daughters posed in front of a white wall.

Matt's pre-performance ritual involves incorporating the initials of his loved ones into his makeup, a practice that helps him focus and reflect on those who have influenced him. He also makes it a point to pray before every performance, often gathering with fellow bullfighters and production crew for a moment of collective reflection and prayer.

Despite the inherent dangers of his job, Matt feels safe and has seldom been seriously injured. He finds great reward in the positive impact he has on young fans.

Professional Barrelman, Matt Merritt, and his wife and two daughters holding Matt up in a sitting stance, posed in front of a white wall. Professional Barrelman, Matt Merritt, and his wife and two daughters holding Matt up in a sitting stance, posed in front of a white wall.

Balancing his demanding career with family life is no easy feat. Matt, his wife Bonnie, and their two daughters live on a small working ranch in North Carolina.

While his job keeps him on the road for long stretches, Matt cherishes the time he spends with his family and appreciates the support they provide.

Looking to the future, Matt encourages young people to consider a career as a rodeo clown, highlighting the unique opportunities and rewards it offers.

Professional Barrelman, Matt Merritt, wearing a red shirt, white cowboy hat, and smiling, holding his suspenders straps. Professional Barrelman, Matt Merritt, wearing a red shirt, white cowboy hat, and smiling, holding his suspenders straps.

Matt Merritt's story is a testament to the passion, dedication, and resilience required to thrive in the rodeo world. As he travels around the world for rodeo, fans can look forward to more of the humor, heart, and high-energy performances that have made him a beloved figure in the rodeo community.

Professional Barrelman, Matt Merritt, wearing a denim shirt, white cowboy hat, and smiling, in front of a white wall. Professional Barrelman, Matt Merritt, wearing a denim shirt, white cowboy hat, and smiling, in front of a white wall.