Stephen Montoya
Kevin Midkiff, professional Rodeo Clown.
Kevin Midkiff's journey from a fan to a rodeo clown is one rooted in passion, family, and a whole lot of face paint.
At just one and a half years old, Kevin attended his first rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum. It was there, at a young age, that he felt the rush of adrenaline and excitement that would shape his future.
"I saw the bull riding and thought, 'I want to do that,'" Kevin now 12, recalls. It was the beginning of a love affair with the rodeo world, a connection that would only grow stronger as the years passed.
Not long after that first rodeo, Kevin returned to the arena, dressed as a bullfighter. It was more than just a costume — it was a sign of his commitment to a dream. At that time, he met Jesse Vick, a bullfighter, who became a key influence on his path.
"I wanted to be just like him," Kevin says. He got his first pair of rodeo baggies for his birthday and even had his face painted for the first time.
As a toddler and beyond, Kevin's enthusiasm for rodeo grew. He spent his days helping out with small tasks in and around the arena, meeting former Coliseum rodeo clown Cody Cooper, and learning the ropes of what it takes to entertain a crowd and stay safe at the same time. For several years, Kevin would just show up, and participate when needed or asked at any local rodeo event.
“I was hooked,” Kevin says. His dedication paid off when, at age 3, his dad Jason made him his own rodeo clown barrel out of a trash can, a makeshift tool that would become his symbol of dedication.
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His love for the rodeo continued to evolve. By the time he was old enough to understand the intricacies of the clown world, Kevin's costumes became a family affair. His great-grandmother handmade his jerseys, each stitch with care. His dad, ever supportive, took on the responsibility of learning how to paint Kevin’s face, crafting a design that would become synonymous with his name.
But, like any true artist, Kevin eventually decided to take control of his own image.
"When you're a rodeo clown, you don’t really own the design of your face paint, but it becomes your style," Kevin explains. His first face design was inspired by Jesse Vick's, a white stripe running up the face with teardrop markings. But soon, Kevin created his own American flag-inspired design, using red and white and blue stripes with a star, a tribute to his patriotism.
Five years ago, an opportunity arose when Cody Cooper left his position as the rodeo clown at Cowtown Coliseum. Kevin quickly jumped at the opportunity to join in and soon graced the arena, taking on a partial role halfway through his decade-long career.
"I started doing it for fun, and then they started paying me. It felt like forever when I was doing it for free," he laughs, reflecting on his early days as an aspiring rodeo clown.
Today, Midkiff has three big-time sponsors that he wears emblazoned on his now iconic clown outfit. One is the American Hat Company, the second is Justin Boots, and the third one is the western clothing brand Cinch. Kevin's dad Jason verified that Kevin makes his own money at these events, which Kevin in turn uses to get more swag for his performances. Not bad for a 12 year old, who's two months away from his ten year anniversary as a rodeo clown.
But Kevin's rodeo clowning wasn't just about the show — it became a chance for him to connect with his fans, his community, and even perform outside of Texas. He fondly remembers performing at the Silverton Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, dancing to “Uptown Funk” in front of an eager crowd at the National Finals Rodeo.
"It was an experience I'll never forget," he says displaying some dance moves outside of his home during our interview.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the rodeo lights, Kevin has always stayed true to his roots. His costumes remain a deeply personal connection to his family, from the red, white, and blue striped overalls they found together in a Walmart to the custom Converse Chuck Taylors lovingly designed by his dad, that have become a part of his performance. His love for rodeo is stitched into every detail of his outfit, his every dance move, and every moment spent under the bright lights of the arena.
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Rodeo clowns, also known as bullfighters or rodeo protection athletes, have always been central to the world of bull riding. But their role has changed over time. Originally, the rodeo clown was responsible for two crucial functions: protecting the bull riders from the bulls and providing comic relief for the crowd.
In the early 1900s, when competitive rodeo first began to take shape, promoters hired clowns to entertain the crowd between events or when there was a lull in the action. These early clowns wore oversized, baggy clothes and often adopted eccentric, outlandish costumes that became an iconic part of the rodeo scene.
However, as the sport evolved—especially in the 1920s when the Brahma bulls came into play—the clown’s role expanded. Now, their primary job was to protect the riders after they were thrown from the bulls. The combination of comedy and courage became essential to the rodeo experience.
"It can be dangerous," Jason Midkiff explains. "But he's never really been hurt or anything like that. This is his thing. We never coaxed him to do it, he gravitated toward this thing all on his own."
By the late 1970s, the clown’s role split into two distinct functions: the bullfighter, who focused on rider protection, and the entertainer, also known as the barrelman, who kept the crowd laughing with slapstick humor and dramatic performances. Still, in some smaller rodeos, the two roles remain combined.
The evolution of the rodeo clown is a testament to the sport’s growth, but also to the resilience of those who fill these shoes. Whether they’re protecting the riders or cracking jokes, rodeo clowns—like Midkiff—are as much a part of the rodeo’s soul as the bulls themselves.
But Midkiff isn't just a rodeo clown; he's a symbol of perseverance, community, and family. His face paint and overalls tell a story — one of ambition, passion, and a love for something bigger than himself. And when asked what drives him to keep going, he smiles and says, "It's the thrill of the arena, the laughter, and knowing that I'm carrying on something special."
For now, Kevin is happy to be in his tenth mutton busting contest at this year's Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
In his humble style, Kevin adds, “I’m just a regular guy, but when I step into that arena, I feel like a star.”
