La Salle County, TX — The Texas rodeo community is remembering legendary cowboy Phil Lyne, a five-time world champion and South Texas rancher whose versatility made him one of the most accomplished all-around competitors in professional rodeo history.
Lyne died Aug. 14 at age 79.
Born Jan. 18, 1947, in San Antonio, Lyne entered professional rodeo in 1969 and immediately earned Overall Rookie of the Year honors. His career became remarkable not only for how much he won, but for his ability to compete successfully in both roughstock and timed events.
Five-Time World Champion
Lyne captured the World All-Around and calf roping championships in both 1971 and 1972.
Years after stepping away from full-time rodeo, he returned to championship form and captured the 1990 world steer roping title at age 43.
Lyne also became the only cowboy to win National Finals average titles in three different events: calf roping, bull riding and steer roping.
His ability at both ends of the arena earned him the prestigious Linderman Award four times, in 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1976.
His accomplishments led to induction into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame and, in 1979, the inaugural class of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
A South Texas Cowboy
Despite reaching the highest levels of professional rodeo, Lyne eventually stepped away from competing full time and returned to South Texas and ranch life.
He and his wife, Sarah, raised their daughters, Amanda and Samantha.
Following his death, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office joined the rodeo community in remembering “Cowboy Phil” and extending condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
Country music legend George Strait also remembered his longtime friend, describing Lyne as “a true cowboy in every sense of the word.”
Strait closed his tribute with a personal farewell:
“I’ll see you down the road someday amigo.”
Five world championships document Phil Lyne’s accomplishments in the arena, but generations of cowboys remembering his character, versatility and influence are part of the legacy he leaves behind.