How did Ron Rivera become “Riverboat Ron?”
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera aka “Riverboat Ron” recounted the story Friday as a guest on Pro Football Talk with host Mike Florio.
As a high school football player, he and his friends were out one day in Monterey, California, when suddenly Rivera spotted this large man and his family together. It was Oakland Raiders head coach John Madden. Rivera approached him, introduced himself, they chatted briefly and Rivera told Madden he was going to play in the NFL someday. To which Madden responded, encouraging Rivera to follow his dream, signing an autograph for Rivera. Rivera still possesses Madden’s autograph in an old scrapbook.
30 years later, Rivera had been a head coach for two seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Panthers owner Jerry Richardson advised Rivera he needed a mentor, instructing Rivera his good friend was expecting Rivera’s call. Richardson’s friend was none other than John Madden.
Rivera telephoned Madden and was told directly that he was only 3-13 in games decided by 6 points or less. Madden encouraged Rivera to look at those games again, asking himself what he could do differently. Following Madden’s advice, watching the film, taking notes on those games, resulted in about a 15-to-20-page report.
Rivera traveled to Madden, bringing the report for Madden to see, only to be told by Madden the report was not for Madden, but for Rivera, asking, “What did YOU learn?” Rivera felt perhaps he had been too safe, to which Madden responded, “Ron, there is no book. You’ve coached enough, you’ve played enough, go from your gut.” Thus “Riverboat Ron” was born, the man willing to gamble when his gut tells him, it is time.
Florio inquired how quarterbacks are more available today than in previous decades and Rivera agreed, pointing to Detroit letting Matthew Stafford go to the Rams for his opportunity to win a Super Bowl, while the Lions have an opportunity to build through the draft choices obtained in the trade.
Would Washington like to do something like that this offseason? “Yes, if the right situation is available, we want to get in on it,” expressed Rivera.
Wearing the new burgundy and gold Commanders’ jacket, Rivera spoke of the Commanders developing and building their own culture. However, the former Chicago Bear linebacker was quick to point out that Joe Gibbs accomplished so much in the past for Washington, winning three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. Remembering their great teams Rivera spoke of needing to honor them for their great accomplishments.
He spoke of the NFL owners needing to hire more minorities but also voiced current coaches and front office personnel perhaps need to be introducing owners to other minorities more often along the way.
Florio inquired as to the overtime rule that permits the team first on offense to win the game right away. Rivera understands that can happen, but feels defenses need to make something happen in the overtime. Rivera spoke of fans not complaining about the rule when the defense makes something happen in the overtime period.