Just in time for the 2023 National Finals Rodeo, C&I chats with husband-wife duo Sage and Alexis Kimzey.
The two are household names in the rodeo world — Sage, a seven-time PRCA World Champion bull rider, and Alexis, an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and marketer for Bloomer Trailers. They share what it’s like to be a close-knit family in the industry and how raising their son, Steele, has been their greatest ride yet.
C&I: You’ve both been to a lot of rodeos — NFR, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, and Pendleton Round-Up to name a few. What makes NFR different for both competitors and fans?
Alexis Kimzey: Every rodeo offers something different, whether it be history or location. We love NFR because it is the reward for a hard-fought season. All the time apart, blood, sweat, and tears are worth it when you get to Las Vegas. We get to spend 10 days doing what we love with the people that matter most.
C&I: What do you love most about the Western way of life?
Alexis: We love the people that make up our industry. It’s easy to say it’s because we have similar beliefs, but it’s incredible to see the individuals from all walks of life that we come in contact with daily. This industry really unites us with a bond that is hard to explain — it’s a universal understanding when you see a cowboy hat that you’re a part of our family. The Western industry has opened so many doors for us — because of the sport, we met each other, have our family, and more. We are blessed to be a part of this industry and brotherhood.
C&I: You welcomed a beautiful child into the world last year shortly after NFR. How do you feel about having him with you at rodeos and events this year?
Alexis: It’s so fun to see him get excited when Sage rides. We don’t know how, but he always knows it’s Sage. At just 2 years old, he has traveled to 17 states. Now, when we’re at rodeos we tend to enjoy the experience a lot more. It’s not just about the rodeo anymore — now we throw in aquarium or zoo visits.
He’s taught us patience and how to enjoy the ride. I think seeing him sit in the Thomas & Mack Center to watch Sage ride this year will be so surreal. I’ve watched him for 70 rounds, and for the 80th our son will be with us. All of the memories won’t compare to experiencing it for the first time with Steele. Not to mention, he will finally wear a cowboy hat and boots. It’s been hilarious watching him trying to learn to walk in them. He makes every moment so special.
C&I: The rodeo life isn’t for the faint of heart. Not only is there a lot of travel involved, but the sport itself can be dangerous. Tell us about how you support one another and stay grounded.
Alexis: I feel like I knew what I signed up for. I used to joke that I wondered what it was like to be married to someone with a normal job. But, in all honesty, I wouldn’t change our life for anything. We focus on communication and know that this phase of our life is fleeting, so we appreciate the moment we’re in.
Sage Kimzey: It’s always been hard to be away from home, but with our son, Steele, it's made the road even more daunting. From daily FaceTime calls to going home more often now, my focus has become different. But it’s also been motivating for me in the arena.
C&I: Sage is a seven-time PRCA World Champion and has recently joined the PBR for his rookie year. Can you share more about this exciting change?
Alexis:When Sage was hurt, the PBR called and offered him a job as an on-air analyst, and it was a wonderful opportunity. During that season, we fell in love with the people.
Sage: I’m really excited for the opportunity to not only ride for the Carolina Cowboys, but also enjoy a season as a rookie — even at 29 years old. It’s been fun to experience something new.
C&I: When you’re not on the rodeo road, what’s your favorite way to spend time together as a family?
Alexis: We’re pretty inseparable. We try to do everything together when Sage is home. We cook meals together, go on walks. We talk a ton about the future and what we want from it. We are best friends, so we typically just make any moment a fun family moment. We laugh a lot in our family, and Steele goes everywhere we go. We’re blessed with the team we have.
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