Courtesy Adriano Moraes is No. 2 all-time money earner, winning more than $3.4 million in his professional career. He is trying to win a fourth PBR world title before he retires this season.

After 20 years of professional bull riding, three world championship titles and more than $3 million in winnings, Adriano Moraes is hanging up his spurs. Moraes, who is retiring as the most decorated rider in the Professional Bull Riders organization, will make the 2008 Built Ford Tough Series season his farewell tour. The tour stops at the Alamodome on Saturday, May 17. The Brazilian-born Moraes, who makes his home on a ranch in Tyler, spoke to 210SA about his career and what happens next.

Why are you retiring?

Because I’m old. I’m 38. I’m the oldest guy on tour. I already exceed the average age for retirement. Most bull riders retire in their early 30s.

Why’d you keep going?

I was still feeling motivated. Physically I’m OK. I could ride till I’m 45. Mentally I’m getting a little tired. Last year, I thought I could keep going until I was 40, but then I got tired. I have other priorities too.

Like what?

It’s my boy’s last soccer game for the recreational season. I’m going to miss it, and I’m not happy that I’m going to miss it. Family comes first now.

What are you doing after you retire?

Get lazy and fat. No, I’m going to raise bucking bulls. I’m going to be involved in the PBR, but I don’t know exactly what position.

Tell me about your injuries.

Nine major surgeries.

How many times have you broken a bone?

Putting it all together, 25 times. Not 25 bones. Big and small. Plus torn muscles, torn ligaments, bruises.

What does it take to be a good bull rider?

Passion for the sport. You need to tolerate a lot of pain. It hurts every single day you get on, the bull jerking on your arm or squeezing you against the chute. Every day something happens. And of course, (it takes) a little bit of craziness or courage.

Which do you have?

I like to say that I have courage. I’m not crazy; I’m brave.

What misconceptions do people have about bull riding?

That it’s an easy sport. They know it’s dangerous, but because some of us make it look so easy, they think they can do it. That’s when a lot of accidents happen.

What will you miss most?

I think the challenge between me and the bull.

What will you miss least?

The pain. You don’t miss pain. The traveling, not so much. That’s probably the main reason I’m retiring.

You have four sons. Do your sons ride bulls?

No, they’re smarter than I am. I don’t want my boys riding bulls.

Because it’s dangerous?

Yes. People see the glamour. They have this conception of a glamorous life. I see the pain, the deceit, the frustration, the deception. That’s what I see. I don’t see the three gold buckles that I have. I see the nine surgeries that I’ve had. And I am the most successful guy in the PBR, so imagine how it must be for the others. I don’t live in this fantasy world. Bull riding is not what I am; it’s what I do. So I try to see beyond the limelight.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA contributor