Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has been a coach in the NFL for quite some time. All that time spent in the NFL, you may earn yourself a reputation during that time. And if you’re lucky, that reputation may earn you a cool nickname. Such is the case for Rivera, and not many people may know the origin of how he got his nickname.
Let’s take a closer look at “Riverboat Ron” and how the nickname came to be.
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Who Is Riverboat Ron?
Rivera, as a head coach, had grown a reputation as a bit of a risk-taker. As a play-caller, he wasn’t afraid to go big and try and seize an opportunity, and as a result, he earned himself a nickname.
Rivera earned the moniker by showing the instincts of a riverboat gambler with his aggressive fourth-down decision-making.
As the coach of the Carolina Panthers back in 2013, Rivera was unafraid to go for the gusto and defy the status quo when it came to play-calling, which earned him the nickname that has since stuck with him.
If you asked Rivera, he does not love the nickname. He would prefer to go by “Analytical Ron” — the decisions he makes aren’t just those made by a wild gambling man, but more so of a studious one who crunches the numbers and trends before he comes to his decisions.
Nonetheless, the nickname has stuck with Rivera since the 2013 season and followed him to Washington, where he currently is.
The Rest of the NFL Is Catching On
10 years ago, when Rivera earned his nickname, the moves he was making were considered to be risky and innovative. Fast forward 10 years later, and every NFL team is liable to go for any fourth-and-short situation as soon as they cross the 50-yard line now.
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It wasn’t always like that, and it wasn’t always viewed the way it currently is across the league. As a result, teams are scoring more points and making bigger offensive plays.
Just a mere 10 years ago, Rivera was so out of left field with his decision-making it earned him a moniker — now, in the current day, it is par for the course.
While Rivera may not be viewed as the big risk-taker he once was due to the league joining the wave, a nickname is something you earn — and they can never take that away from you.