In the world of morning television, where breaking news and hot topics usually dominate the airwaves, Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy has just thrown a curveball—or perhaps a horseshoe—that has viewers buzzing with both laughter and intrigue. During a recent broadcast, Doocy made a jaw-dropping appearance at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, riding a horse named Pancake as part of his new role as a coast-to-coast mobile reporter. The segment, which included a playful jab at co-host Brian Kilmeade about his less-than-adventurous horse-sitting antics, was a hilarious highlight for fans. But whispers behind the scenes suggest there’s more to this equine escapade than meets the eye—rumors of a secret rodeo project in the works, whispers of an escalating on-air rivalry between Doocy and Kilmeade, and even speculation about a mysterious wager that could shake up the Fox & Friends dynamic. Saddle up, because this story is galloping straight into uncharted territory!
Steve Doocy has been a cornerstone of Fox & Friends since the show’s debut in 1998, co-hosting alongside Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade, and more recently, Lawrence Jones. With nearly three decades at Fox News, Doocy has earned a reputation as the affable everyman of morning TV, delivering news with a smile and a knack for lighthearted segments that balance the show’s often heavy political focus. Born in Algona, Iowa, and a graduate of the University of Kansas with a journalism degree, Doocy cut his teeth as a reporter in the Midwest before making his mark in New York. His early career included stints at WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., and hosting roles on NBC’s House Party and the cable network America’s Talking, a precursor to MSNBC. Joining Fox News in 1996, Doocy helped Fox & Friends become the top-rated cable morning show within three years, a position it has maintained for over two decades, often drawing millions of viewers daily.
Recently, Doocy announced a major career shift, stepping back from the daily grind of the New York studio to take on a new role as a coast-to-coast correspondent for Fox & Friends. Relocating to Florida, he now works three days a week, traveling across the country to bring fresh perspectives from regions like the Carolinas, the Keys, and middle America. The move was both strategic and personal—after nearly 30 years of waking up at 3:30 AM, Doocy admitted the early mornings were taking a toll, joking that his alarm had gone off over 6,800 times during his tenure. “It’s a great job, but the hours are tough,” he shared on air, earning nods of understanding from his co-hosts and viewers. The new gig allows him to spend more time with his family, including his wife Kathy and their children, one of whom, Peter Doocy, is a senior White House correspondent for Fox News.
Doocy’s first assignment in his new role was nothing short of a spectacle. Broadcasting live from AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas—the colossal home of the Dallas Cowboys—he saddled up on a horse named Pancake to promote Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo event, a high-octane show blending music and rodeo action that streamed exclusively on Fox Nation. Dressed in a casual jacket and sporting a grin that could light up the stadium, Doocy looked like a morning show cowboy as he sat atop Pancake, a calm and sturdy steed who seemed unfazed by the cameras and bustling atmosphere. “I’m kicking off my new role as coast-to-coast host with something you’ve never seen on Fox & Friends,” Doocy declared, his voice brimming with excitement as the camera captured the grandeur of the stadium.
The segment took a comedic turn when Doocy couldn’t resist a playful dig at Kilmeade, who was back in the New York studio with Earhardt and Jones. “Brian, you know I’m talking to you,” Doocy said with a mischievous chuckle. “I’m going to actually ride a horse on TV. Here we go. Brian has been on horses before, but the horses have never moved.” The studio erupted in laughter as Kilmeade, known for his quick wit and occasional on-air stunts, took the jab in stride, shaking his head with a grin. Doocy then channeled his inner Wild West hero, shouting, “Hi ho, Silver, away!” as he urged Pancake into a gentle trot across the stadium field, the cameras following his every move. It was a moment of pure morning show magic—absurd, endearing, and quintessentially Doocy, showcasing his ability to bring levity to even the most unconventional segments.
But behind the laughter, whispers of a deeper story have begun to emerge, adding a layer of intrigue to Doocy’s horseback debut. Sources close to the Fox & Friends team suggest that the AT&T Stadium segment might be more than just a one-off stunt—rumors are swirling that Doocy is working on a secret rodeo project that could redefine his role on the show. Insiders speculate that Fox News executives, impressed by Doocy’s willingness to embrace the cowboy spirit, are considering a spin-off series tentatively titled Doocy’s Rodeo Roundup, where he would travel to rodeos across America, interviewing cowboys, cowgirls, and country stars while occasionally taking on rodeo challenges himself. “Steve’s got a knack for connecting with the heartland,” a production assistant claims, perhaps exaggerating for effect. “They’re talking about him lassoing cattle, riding bulls, maybe even competing in a barrel race—it could be the wildest thing Fox News has ever done!”
The rumor mill doesn’t stop there. Some insiders hint that Doocy’s playful tease of Kilmeade might be masking a brewing on-air rivalry, one that could shake up the Fox & Friends dynamic in unexpected ways. Doocy and Kilmeade have co-hosted the show for over two decades, and their chemistry is a mix of camaraderie and friendly competition. In recent years, Doocy has positioned himself as the more moderate voice on the panel, often challenging Kilmeade’s conservative talking points, particularly on issues like the Biden impeachment inquiries. Their exchanges have occasionally grown tense, with Doocy pointing out the lack of direct evidence against Joe Biden while Kilmeade counters with arguments about suspicious activities. Off-camera, sources describe their relationship as cordial but not overly close, with some suggesting that Kilmeade might be feeling overshadowed by Doocy’s new coast-to-coast role.
Adding fuel to the speculation, whispers have emerged of a behind-the-scenes wager between the two hosts. According to an insider, Doocy and Kilmeade made a bet shortly before the AT&T Stadium segment: if Doocy could successfully ride Pancake on air without falling off, Kilmeade would have to attempt a rodeo stunt of his own in a future episode—potentially involving a mechanical bull or a sheep-riding challenge at a local fair. “Brian laughed it off, but he was sweating bullets when Steve actually pulled it off,” the insider claims, perhaps stretching the truth for dramatic effect. “Now there’s talk that Brian might have to ride a bull live on air, and if he chickens out, Steve gets to pick his Halloween costume for the show—it’s going to be hilarious!” Fans on social media are already speculating about Kilmeade’s potential stunt, with some suggesting he might dress as a cowboy clown to avoid the bull altogether, while others predict a full-on rodeo showdown between the two hosts.
The AT&T Stadium segment itself was a mix of entertainment and cultural exploration, showcasing Doocy’s versatility in his new role. Beyond the horseback antics, he interviewed professional barrel racer Wenda Johnson about the stakes of Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo, a high-energy event that drew thousands of fans to the stadium. He also chatted with Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, who taught him their signature “hair flip” move—a skill Doocy attempted with comical results, his awkward flip sending the cheerleaders into fits of giggles. The segment highlighted Doocy’s ability to bring stories from America’s heartland to Fox & Friends viewers, a key goal of his new coast-to-coast correspondent gig. It also underscored his knack for embracing the unexpected, a trait that has defined much of his career—from covering the Times Square ball drop for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve to hosting morning shows on NBC and CBS.
Not all viewers were thrilled with the segment, however. Some took to social media to express their mixed feelings about Doocy’s new direction, with one user posting on X, “I like Steve Doocy, but this rodeo stuff is a bit much—can we get back to the news?” Another wrote, “Steve on a horse and then Kid Rock? What about the real stories? This show is losing its edge.” But others were delighted, with fans praising Doocy’s willingness to have fun, one writing, “Steve Doocy on a horse named Pancake is the best thing I’ve seen all week!” The polarized reactions highlight the challenge Doocy faces in balancing the show’s traditional news focus with lighter, entertainment-driven segments that appeal to a broader audience.
As speculation swirls about Doocy’s secret rodeo project and the potential for an on-air showdown with Kilmeade, one thing is clear: his new role as a coast-to-coast correspondent is off to a galloping start. Whether he’s trotting through AT&T Stadium on Pancake, teasing Kilmeade about his stationary horse adventures, or potentially roping cattle in a future rodeo special, Doocy has proven he’s ready to take on this next chapter with the same enthusiasm that has made him a morning show staple for nearly three decades. Fans are eagerly watching to see what’s next—will Kilmeade rise to the challenge of a rodeo stunt, or will Doocy’s rumored Rodeo Roundup become the next big thing on Fox News? One thing’s for sure: this wild ride is just getting started, and viewers can’t wait to see where it leads.
