Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has been a part of the NFL as a coach for a long time. Rivera got his first chance to coach in the NFL in 1997, and he’s never looked back since. While he is in his 25th year coaching football in the league, one may wonder if Rivera actually played in the NFL as well.
The answer to that question is a resounding yes. Rivera not only has a decorated coaching career, but he also was a highly touted player at the collegiate and professional levels, too.
Let’s take a closer look at Riverboat Ron and his playing career.
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Ron Rivera Playing Career
Rivera was selected in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, where he played for them as a rotational linebacker and special teamer. He was a member of the 1986 Super Bowl championship team that defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
Personally, Rivera earned a few accolades himself during his playing days, where he was named the team’s Man of the Year in 1988 and was also named their Ed Block Courage Award recipient the following year in 1989.
Rivera went on to play nine seasons for the Bears before retiring after the 1992 season.
Rivera played in 137 regular-season games with 56 starts, 392 tackles, 7 1/2 sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and nine interceptions during his career.
Prior to his NFL days, Rivera was a tough and productive linebacker for the University of California. Rivera led the Golden Bears in tackles as a linebacker during his three years there and was a highly decorated award winner.
During his time in college, Rivera received accolades such as being named a consensus All-American, Pac-10 Football Defensive Player of the Year, the Pop Warner Trophy, and MVP of the East–West Shrine Game.
Rivera’s Coaching Career
As well as Rivera’s play on the field in the NFL and college, he has become more well-known for his contributions to the league as a coach. In his quarter century as a coach in the NFL, he has fostered countless relationships and impacted many lives.
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He is currently in his 13th season — with his second organization — as an NFL head coach. Riverboat Ron has led his teams to five playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl appearance with the Carolina Panthers.
Rivera is tasked with turning this Commanders team around at the beginning of a new chapter for such a storied franchise. With as strong a leader as Rivera, thanks to his pedigree as a player and a coach, they may be well-equipped to do just that sooner rather than later.