Jeff Daniel, of DeKalb, Texas, and Greg Tilley, of Shreveport, Louisiana, roped four steers in 43.34 seconds to win the Total Feeds #8.5 Legends Over 50 Shootout at the 2026 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping.
“ I believe in the power of positive thinking,” Tilley said. “If you believe it, it will happen.”
The two have only known each other about a year after drawing up together at a roping in Texarkana — where they won — and quickly became close.
“We drew up in a roping in Texarkana, and we won it, but we hadn’t won anything since,” Tilley said. “So it was our time. But we became friends, and I always believe that the roping will take care of itself, but the friendships are what matter.”
“We are good friends, we talk and text every day,” Daniel added.
Daniel, who owns a feed store, rode a horse he bought recently.
“I got him in October, and he’s green green,” Daniel said. “But he’s doing alright.”
Tilley, who owns El Rancho Equine, rode his heel horse “Punkin,” a horse he’s had for a few years that means more than most.
“He is the fifth best thing that ever happened to me in my life. Marrying my wife, having my kids, divorcing my first wife, and then this horse,” Tilley joked. “I’m telling you, I love that horse so much, I buy him watermelon cups when we do good.”
The win wrapped up the Legends series at the Finals, earning the team $24,900, along with Gist Silversmiths trophy buckles, Resistol Hats and Horse Power Boots.
