He invented the vest. But not in time for Lane.

Just one strike. And the world lost a legend.
But for Cody Lambert – Lane’s closest friend – that moment carried a silent blame he would never let go…


When a Hug Became the Last One

July 30, 1989. Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Cody Lambert, also a professional bull rider, stood outside the arena watching Lane take on the bull “Takin’ Care of Business.”

They had shared everything: dreams, motel rooms, long nights of practice, and the fear of losing someone in the ring.

That day, Cody stood frozen – helpless – as the bull turned back and struck Lane straight in the chest.

💬 “I remember Lane falling. And not getting back up.”


Pain Turned Into Invention

Cody had thought of chest protection – but no one made it real. Rodeo was about toughness, grit, and enduring pain.

After Lane died, Cody stopped waiting. He built the first vest shaped for a bull rider’s body.
💬 “I made it… but not for Lane.”

By 1996, his vest became mandatory in the PBR.


8 Seconds – And The Notes Cody Never Shared

When Hollywood made 8 Seconds, Cody served as the technical advisor.

But some scenes, he couldn’t comment on: Lane’s glance to the stands, his carefree laugh, that final embrace.

💬 “Lane wasn’t reckless. He was the best I ever saw. And I should’ve done more.”

To Cody, the movie wasn’t a tribute — it was an apology.


A Death That Changed Everything

In the decades since, no professional bull rider has died from chest injuries.

Cody’s vest became the shield that saved lives.

But the guilt ? It never left.
💬 “If only I’d made it earlier… maybe Lane would still be here.”


🎵 Suggested listening: “The Dance” – Garth Brooks

The Dance (song) - Wikipedia

A quiet confession from Cody to Lane:

“I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance.”

Lyrics:

Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared ‘neath the stars alone
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you’d ever say goodbye

And now I’m glad I didn’t know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I’d of had to miss the dance

Holding you I held everything
For a moment wasn’t I a king
But if I’d only known how the king would fall
Hey who’s to say you know I might have chanced it all

And now I’m glad I didn’t know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I’d of had to miss the dance

Yes my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain but I’d of had to miss the dance