With the football season fast approaching, we go back to the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Foundation archives to our Tertulia with the only Latino head coach of the NFL - the head coach of the Washington Commanders, Coach Ron Rivera. Tune into the episode and learn about Coach Rivera's journey from a Super Bowl-winning linebacker to NFL head coach and how he navigates challenges with courage and resilience - including his battle with cancer.
With football season fast approaching, we go back to the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Foundation archives to our Tertulia with the only Latino head coach of the NFL - the head coach of the Washington Commanders, Coach Ron Rivera.
Of proud Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, Coach Rivera has been a difference-maker for the Commanders since he took over in 2020. Despite facing challenges like name changes, ownership changes, and quarterback shifts, Coach Rivera has established a culture of determination, resilience, and diversity within the organization. In his first year with the team, Coach Rivera took the Commanders to the playoffs, won the division, and won NFC Coach of the Year - all while surviving his battle with cancer.
Before coming to DC, he was the Head Coach of the Carolina Panthers, where he reached the Super Bowl and was a two-time Coach of the Year. Prior to becoming a coach, Rivera attended the University of California, Berkeley in the early 1980s, where he played college football for the Golden Bears and was recognized as an All-American linebacker. Following graduation, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft and was a part of their 1985 team that won Super Bowl XX. Rivera spent nine years playing for the Bears and retired after the 1992 season. In 2021, we honored Coach Rivera with the Hispanic Heritage Sports Award for representing our Latine community in what has become America’s game.
So, sit back, grab a cafecito, and enjoy this inspiring conversation with Coach Ron Rivera!
Episode Resources:
- Watch Coach Ron Rivera's 2021 Hispanic Heritage Sports Award Honoree Video here.
- Watch our 2021 Tertulia with Coach Rivera on YouTube here.