Ron Rivera's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ron Rivera. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
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.
1983: Awards and Honors
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.
1985: Super Bowl XX Win
In 1985, Ron Rivera was part of the Chicago Bears team that won Super Bowl XX.
1988: Bears Man of the Year
In 1988, Ron Rivera was named the Chicago Bears' Man of the Year.
1994: Inducted into California Athletics Hall of Fame
In 1994, Ron Rivera was inducted into the California Athletics Hall of Fame.
2005: Assistant Coach of the Year
In 2005, Ron Rivera was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers Association.
2005: First Playoff Win since 2005
In 2014, the Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card Round for the team's first playoff win since 2005.
2013: AP NFL Coach of the Year
In 2013, Ron Rivera was honored as the AP NFL Coach of the Year after leading the Panthers to a successful season.
2014: Led Panthers to Playoffs with Losing Record
In 2014, Ron Rivera led the Carolina Panthers to the playoffs with a losing record.
2014: Second Consecutive NFC South Title
In 2014, the Panthers, under Ron Rivera, recovered from a slow start to win the NFC South for the second consecutive year.
2015: Second AP NFL Coach of the Year Award and Super Bowl 50 Appearance
In 2015, Ron Rivera was recognized as the AP NFL Coach of the Year for the second time, and led the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50.
January 2021: Considered Cancer Free
By late January 2021, Ron Rivera was considered cancer-free after treatment for squamous cell carcinoma.
2021: Declared Cancer Free
By early 2021, Ron Rivera was considered cancer free.
2022: Awarded George Halas Award
In 2022, Ron Rivera was awarded the George Halas Award by the Pro Football Writers of America for his battle with cancer.
