Roy Cooper
The rodeo world lost a legend on Tuesday, April 29, when Roy Cooper, the eight-time world champion and icon of calf roping, passed away at the age of 69 in a house fire at his Decatur, Texas, property. Known to all as "The Super Looper," Cooper was a trailblazer in the sport of rodeo, with a career that spanned more than two decades, breaking records and inspiring generations of cowboys and fans alike.
Roy Cooper’s name was synonymous with calf roping excellence. With quiet confidence and an unmatched talent, he became one of the most dominant figures in rodeo history. His accolades were many: seven individual discipline championships, a record-breaking $2 million in earnings by 2000, and, of course, his well-earned reputation as one of the most skilled ropers the sport has ever seen. In 1983, he made history by winning the PRCA all-around title, a feat that cemented his place in rodeo lore.
But Roy was more than just a record holder. He was a cowboy’s cowboy. His influence on the sport went beyond his competition successes. He inspired and mentored countless younger athletes, including his son, Tuf Cooper. In fact, we were fortunate to document Tuf’s rise in a feature we ran back in December of 2020 — a snapshot of a family legacy in full swing. As Tuf continues to carve out his legacy in the sport, he carries the lessons and spirit of his father with him.
“It is with great sadness that our family shares the passing of our Dad, The Super Looper, Roy Cooper,” Tuf posted on Facebook shortly after the news broke. “We’re all in shock and at a loss for words from this tragedy at the moment.” The statement captures the overwhelming grief felt by those closest to Roy, but it also reflects a deep sense of pride in a man whose life was defined by humility and unwavering dedication.
Born in Hobbs, New Mexico, Roy grew up on a ranch, where his natural talent for roping began to take shape. Even in his youth, he faced challenges like asthma, but he overcame them, pushing through to become a competitor at the highest level. His journey from a determined young cowboy to a Hall of Famer is the stuff of rodeo legend, one built on hard work, tenacity, and an unshakeable commitment to his craft.
Despite his monumental success, Roy never let fame define him. His humility was as legendary as his roping skills. He was a man who didn’t seek the spotlight but instead let his actions speak for themselves. "I don’t know if I’m no Super Looper, I’m just Roy,” he said in a February 2020 interview on Let’s Freakin Rodeo, embodying the modesty that made him beloved by those who knew him.
In addition to his incredible success on the rodeo circuit, Roy was a dedicated family man. His three sons — Clif, Clint, and of course Tuf — were all cowboys, with Tuf continuing his father’s legacy as one of the sport's top stars. The Cooper family also played an integral role in founding the Cooper Rodeo Foundation, an organization that supports young people pursuing a rodeo career.
Roy Cooper’s influence extends far beyond his individual titles. He was a mentor, a friend, and a champion of the sport. His influence shaped rodeo in ways that will endure for years to come. And though we mourn the loss of one of the greatest cowboys to ever ride into an arena, we take solace in the legacy he leaves behind — one that will continue to inspire and shape the future of the sport.
As Tuf Cooper so poignantly expressed, “We’re all in shock,” but Roy’s legacy is one that will never be forgotten. His life was a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and family, and in the rodeo world, his name will live on forever.
Roy Cooper may be gone, but "The Super Looper" will never be forgotten.
