As its name implies, team roping is the only event at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo that requires partners to morph into a single entity to achieve success.

It takes timing, coordination, communication and trust between the header and heeler, as well as their horses. So teams that come together at the NFR out of necessity rather than by design are usually at a distinct disadvantage.

There are four such tandems at the Thomas &Mack Center this year, an unusually high number.

Jonathan Torres has become the poster child among the split-partner combos.

The 33-year-old heeler from Ocala, Fla., is competing in his fourth NFR — all of them while his header during the regular season is sitting on the sidelines.

Torres earned $111,672 ahead of Las Vegas to grab the 15th and final qualifyin

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