Neal McDonough Joins Austin Gamblers as PBR Team Owner

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Actor Neal McDonough has made his mark both on the big screen and in the arena, recently becoming a minority owner of the Austin Gamblers in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) League. This announcement coincides with the release of his latest film, The Last Rodeo, which will be up against Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible film on Memorial Day weekend.

The actor, known for portraying memorable Hollywood villains, has embraced the cowboy culture of bull riding, declaring his excitement to support the sport. “Ruvé and I feel completely blessed to be part of this world, to tell these stories, and to now be part of the Gamblers family,” he said. McDonough and his wife Ruvé join fellow minority investor Michael Dell, as the Gamblers gear up for the 2024 PBR Teams Championship.

McDonough has been a frequent presence at PBR events, where he leads a celebratory ritual called the “Sacramento Sip.” This tradition involves drinking from Ruvé’s boot during breaks in the action. “Americans love Americana,” McDonough noted. “What I love about PBR is that it’s for the whole family, and everyone is rooting for every guy to make it to 8 seconds. It’s completely unifying and uplifting.”

The actor also expressed how the sport resonates with his personal values, reflecting the American spirit that he holds dear. “My dad, as soon as he got off the plane from Ireland, walked into the Army recruiting office and said, ‘Make me an American.’ He was so proud to be an American,” McDonough reminisced. This connection to his heritage fuels his passion for storytelling within the PBR community.

The Last Rodeo, directed by Jon Avnet, combines McDonough’s love for the Western genre with themes of perseverance and redemption. The film stars McDonough as Joe Wainwright, a retired bull rider striving to save his family. The film features authentic bull riders, including 2022 PBR World Champion Daylon Swearingen, adding a layer of realism to the narrative.

Reflecting on his career, McDonough, who had faced challenges in Hollywood for sticking to his personal beliefs, remains devoted to his family. “I love acting,” he said, “but it’s not even close to how much I love Ruvé and my kids.” The actor has continuously sought projects that align with his values, including a new partnership with Angel Studios.

At 58, McDonough has starred in over 120 films and television shows. His passion for Westerns remains consistent, saying, “Westerns are my favorite genre in film, and I love being part of the Western culture.” As PBR’s Unleash The Beast season progresses, McDonough and his family are gearing up for the official announcement of their partnership with the Gamblers, scheduled for the weekend.

As his family joins him this weekend at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho, all attention will be on McDonough, who is expected to lead the crowd in celebration. His symbolic boot lift and enthusiastic support embody the spirit of PBR and his pursuit of storytelling that uplifts and inspires.