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'Dad of the year': Bull rider's father jumps into arena to save son from bull during rodeo

A viral video shows a bull rider's father jumping into the arena to save his son shortly after he was thrown off the bull and knocked unconscious during a rodeo show

A viral video shared on Twitter shows a bull rider's father jumping in the arena to save his son shortly after he was thrown off the bull and knocked unconscious during a rodeo. The bull rider, identified as Cody Hooks, was participating in a bull-riding event at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton on Saturday, February 19. 

Twitter user Ken Carter, who shared the video, captioned it as, "Dad of the year ! #rodeo. This great Cowboy Landis hooks jumped in the arena for save his son from the bull. That’s a hell of a dad". The video shows the bull rider's father protecting his unconscious son from being gored by the bull's horns just in time. 

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The 16-second clip shows the bull rider knocking into the bull and losing consciousness within two seconds of the gate opening. The bull rider's father notices the bull charging towards his unconscious son lying on the ground jumps into the arena, covers up his son as the bull lowers its horns. The bull rider's father takes the hit in the back and loses his cowboy hat, but saves his son from injury. 

One of Cody Hook’s family members posted an update on the bull rider’s health on Facebook. Heather Hooks said, "He’s getting plenty of rest but up and moving." Heather added, "Landis Hooks hung the moon in his children’s eyes and only did what he’s always done when it comes to protecting his children and even buddies at times in this great sport we love so much! He is our Hero!" The woman also said her family "appreciated all the prayers" before offering special thanks "to the bullfighters who also put their lives on the line! These guys tip their hats to everyone who played a part Saturday night."

Meanwhile, netizens couldn't help but get emotional after watching the video. As one wrote, "I'm not crying, you're crying." Another said, "And that's on the love a parent has for their baby!" "This is what parents do for their kids! Whatever we need to in order to keep our kids safe from 'whatever the situation might be'. Pure Love and Pure Courage! Hope his boy is okay," added a third. A fourth commented, "This is the type of father I want to be." "This could very well be the coolest shit I’ve ever seen," wrote a fifth. Someone else wrote, "Wow!!! Dads wear capes!!"