Discover the defining moments in the early life of Ron Rivera. From birth to education, explore key events.
Ron Rivera is a former NFL linebacker and current football analyst. He played nine seasons for the Chicago Bears, winning Super Bowl XX in 1985. Rivera transitioned to coaching, achieving significant success as a head coach, most notably with the Carolina Panthers. He earned the NFL Coach of the Year award twice, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in professional football. He is currently an analyst for the California Golden Bears.
On January 7, 1962, Ronald Eugene Rivera was born. He would later become an NFL player and coach.
In 1972, Ron Rivera's idol, Roberto Clemente, died in a plane crash while delivering aid.
In 1980, Ron Rivera graduated from Seaside High School in Marina, California.
In August 1983, Ron Rivera met his future wife, Stephanie Tamayo, while they were both at Cal.
During his final season in 1983, Ron Rivera received several awards and honors including being named a consensus All-American and Pac-10 Football Defensive Player of the Year.
In 1984, Ron Rivera married Stephanie Tamayo.
In 2000, Stephanie Rivera, Ron Rivera's wife, served as an assistant coach for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA.
On January 5, 2015, Ron Rivera's home in Charlotte, North Carolina, caught fire, causing partial damage, but all family members escaped without injury.
In 2015, Ron Rivera's brother Mickey died from pancreatic cancer.
In August 2020, Ron Rivera was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in a lymph node of his neck.
In 2020, Ron Rivera became the head coach of the Washington Football Team and was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma.
By late January 2021, Ron Rivera was considered cancer-free after treatment for squamous cell carcinoma.
By early 2021, Ron Rivera was considered cancer free.
In April 2022, Ron Rivera became an exclusive speaker with the Washington Speakers Bureau, utilizing his experiences to motivate audiences.