riverboat ron nickname

clock This article was published more than  4 years ago

‘Riverboat’ Ron Rivera has a great nickname, but he’s not the gambler you think

New Washington Redskins coach Ron Rivera has embraced the “Riverboat Ron” nickname he earned for his aggressive fourth-down decision-making with the Carolina Panthers, though he prefers to be known more as a calculated risk-taker than a gambler. “Analytical Ron” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Early in his coaching career, Rivera was quite the opposite, and it led to calls for his job. In Week 2 of the 2013 season, Rivera’s third year at the helm of the Panthers, Carolina led Buffalo 20-17 with less than two minutes remaining. Facing fourth and one from the Buffalo 21-yard line, Rivera opted to kick a field goal to take a six-point lead. The decision was hardly surprising; since 2011, only one other NFL coach had gone for it fewer times on fourth down than Rivera. The Bills drove 65 yards for the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds, dropping Carolina to 0-2.

After the loss, the Charlotte Observer ran an online poll asking whether then-owner Jerry Richardson should fire Rivera immediately. Eighty-three percent of the respondents said yes.

Redskins to introduce Ron Rivera as head coach

Rivera’s transformation began the following week against the Giants. In the first quarter, on fourth and one from the New York 2-yard line, the Panthers went for it. Fullback Mike Tolbert scored a touchdown en route to a 38-0 Carolina win. Three weeks later, the Panthers converted a pair of fourth downs on an early touchdown drive in a 35-10 win at Minnesota.

ESPN’s David Newton, who helped coin the “Riverboat Ron” nickname after the win over the Vikings, asked Rivera a couple of days later whether, in hindsight, he would have gone for it on fourth down against Buffalo in Week 2.

“Which is the right call?” Rivera said with a smile . “The right call turns out to be one that you win with. If you win, it’s a great call.”

Good luck with that. pic.twitter.com/XUgR7Jdj8b — Josh (@GoldAndOrSmith) December 1, 2013

The Panthers won 11 of their last 12 games and converted 10 of their 13 fourth-down opportunities to close the season, resulting in an NFC South title.

“I needed to realize that playing conservative, playing close to the vest, playing by the book — sometimes you’ve just got to throw all that away,” Rivera told the Observer in 2014 .

But is Rivera truly a gambler on the gridiron? Not exactly.

The Panthers went for it on fourth down 123 times from 2011 to 2019, giving them just the 25th-most attempts in that span. The Redskins, by comparison, went for it 140 times in that same span. The average NFL team made nearly 137 fourth-down attempts.

The Panthers, though, were a winning team under Rivera, and so we can also look solely at fourth-down decisions in the first three quarters when the score was within eight points — eliminating obvious catch-up situations. In those situations, the Panthers went for it on fourth down 36 times from 2011 to 2019. Nine teams went for it more often in similar situations.

Brewer: Ron Rivera is traditional, hard-nosed and just what the Redskins need

Carolina was, however, one of the most successful teams when it gambled, converting 78 percent of its score-neutral fourth-down opportunities. Only the Kansas City Chiefs had more success moving the chains during that nine-year window, converting 81 percent of their score-neutral fourth-down chances. Like Rivera said, “If you win, it’s a great call.”

In fact, since that 2013 campaign, Rivera has gone for it on fourth down in score-neutral situations only 23 times, a below-average rate for the years 2014 to 2019 and just a few tries fewer than his new team attempted. (The Redskins went for it 20 times in those situations; the Ravens led the NFL with 53 score-neutral fourth-down attempts).

If you make one more adjustment and isolate only those score-neutral situations in which Rivera found himself in his own territory — true riverboat territory — he went for it on fourth down only four times in nine seasons. (The Ravens led the NFL with 11 attempts in those situations, and the Cowboys were next with 10.)

It was a similar story in the playoffs: Rivera went for it only seven times in seven postseason games, and just two of those were in the first three quarters with the score within eight points. None of them were with the Panthers bogged down in their own territory. Playoff teams as a whole went for it 206 times on fourth down (all situations) over 176 playoff games from 2011 to 2018, which averages to just over one attempt per game, slightly more often than Rivera.

But the nickname persisted, and Rivera occasionally did enough to justify it. In November, for example, Rivera’s Panthers had two fourth-down conversions in a 30-20 win over the Titans, including one on fourth and four from their own 36-yard line.

“I just felt we needed a little momentum,” Rivera told reporters of his decision to go for it in a situation when most NFL coaches would punt. “Sure, we had a 10-point lead, but they’d just gone down and scored on us, and that was disappointing to me. But I just felt, sometimes you just can’t measure those things with numbers. There’s a feel in the game, and it’s just one of those things I felt we had to do something.”

Read more on the Redskins :

Jack Del Rio to become Redskins defensive coordinator, will switch to a 4-3 scheme

Ron Rivera agrees to become Redskins’ next coach, begins building staff

After a decade of change everywhere but the top, Redskins finally move on from Bruce Allen

From ‘winning off the field’ to ‘damn good’ culture: Bruce Allen’s Redskins tenure in quotes

Svrluga: With Bruce Allen gone, Daniel Snyder has no more excuses

Why is Ron Rivera called Riverboat Ron? Explaining the origin of Commanders coach’s nickname

After spending more than 25 years on an NFL sideline, Ron Rivera has made a name for himself in the coaching ranks. Over the course of his 13 years as a head coach, Rivera’s earned a nickname for himself, too.

Rivera, a two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year who recently surpassed the 100-win plateau, has become a household name in coaching thanks to his time as the lead man in Carolina and Washington. As evidenced by his resume, Rivera has done his fair share of winning during his career, but the manner in which he’s done his winning is what became the stuff of legends.

Since the 2013 NFL season, Rivera has been known as “Riverboat Ron,” a nickname that he once decried before eventually embracing it. The nickname and the philosophy that inspired it have turned around seasons, resulted in hilarious memes and very well may have saved RIvera’s coaching career.

The Sporting News looks back at the origins of Rivera’s “Riverboat Ron” nickname. 

Why is Ron Rivera called Riverboat Ron?

Rivera’s nickname is related to riverboat gambling. The gambles, or risks, Rivera has taken in fourth-down situations as a head coach are similar to that of a gambler, earning him the moniker of “Riverboat Ron.”

The nickname is situational as it is almost exclusively employed when Rivera has his team go for it on fourth down or take another calculated in-game risk. It can also work against his favor when he elects not to take a risk, like Washington’s decision to opt for overtime and not go for a two-point conversion to defeat defending NFC champion Philadelphia in Week 4 of the 2023 season.

MORE:  Ron Rivera explains why Commanders played for OT in loss vs. Eagles

How Ron Rivera got his Riverboat Ron nickname

Rivera earned the nickname during his third season as head coach of the Panthers. The nickname itself actually stems from the way Rivera responded to something he didn’t do.

After two losing seasons, Rivera was on the hot seat early in the 2013 campaign. In the second game of the season, one sequence seemingly changed everything about Rivera’s approach.

The Panthers, who had already lost their season opener, had the ball and a 20-17 lead over the Bills late in the fourth quarter of Week 2. As Carolina faced a fourth-and-1 from Buffalo’s 21-yard line, Rivera elected to play it safe by kicking a field goal to give his team a 23-17 lead with 1:38 remaining. The Bills responded with an 80-yard drive, scoring the game-winning touchdown with two seconds remaining to knock Carolina to 0-2 on the season.

Playing conservatively led to the loss and an epiphany in traffic let Rivera know that something had to change.

Fast forward to Week 6, when the Panthers visited the Vikings. Carolina was 1-3 and Rivera’s seat was hotter than it had ever been. In the first quarter, Rivera’s team went for — and converted — two fourth downs on its first scoring drive of the game. Carolina would earn a 35-10 win over Minnesota.

And thus, “Riverboat Ron” was born.

Rivera was reluctant to accept the nickname at first but as the risks continued to pay off and the wins continued to stack, he warmed up to the moniker, which took a life of its own when Rivera was hilariously photoshopped  as a riverboat gambler.

Carolina’s Week 6 win over Minnesota was the first of eight consecutive wins in a season where the team finished 12-4 and earned its first NFC South championship in five years. The team finished the season going 10 of 13 on fourth downs, including a near-perfect 8 of 9 mark on fourth-and-1.

Ten years later, it’s clear that the nickname has stuck.

Ron Rivera’s fourth down success

Since taking over as Washington’s head coach in 2020, Rivera has had his team go for it on fourth down a total of 80 times (through Week 5 of the 2023 season.) In the time span, Washington has converted on 42 fourth downs, a 52.5 percent rate.

This season , the Commanders are 3 of 4 (75.0 percent) on fourth down.

Ron Rivera’s other nicknames

Long before he was known as “Riverboat Ron,” Rivera was affectionately referred to as “Chico” while playing with the Bears.

As the story goes, Rivera, a serviceable linebacker, earned the nickname from defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, who likened Rivera to actor Freddie Prinze’s character in “Chico and the Man.”

to submit an obituary

Please email [email protected] or call 530-896-7718. Please include your name, mailing address, and phone number along with the copy and photo.

The evolution of ”Riverboat Ron” Rivera:…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Sponsored Content

The evolution of ”Riverboat Ron” Rivera: Friends say it wasn”t always that way

The change three years ago surprised family and friends on the Monterey Peninsula where Rivera grew up. They recall a man with a strong military upbringing who didn”t take unnecessary risks on the field.

” ”Riverboat Ron?” I just don”t see that,” said Dave Miller, one of Rivera”s coaches at Seaside High in the 1970s. “He”s old school. It”s so rare to see him get upset.”

It seemed playing it safe would spell Rivera”s doom in 2013 after consecutive losing years in Carolina. The unemployment line was beckoning in the season”s third week after the Panthers (0-2) kicked a field goal on a fourth-and-one play that allowed the Buffalo Bills to rally for a last-second victory.

“I was thinking conservatively and I”ll never do that again,” Rivera later told brother Steven Rivera. “I go by instinct now.”

The bleak outcome of the Bills” game still was on Rivera”s mind two nights later when commuting home from the team facility. He was so consumed with the defeat that Rivera drove through a red light and narrowly avoided getting sideswiped.

A new side of Rivera”s coaching personality appeared in the Panthers” game that weekend against the New York Giants.

In the first quarter of a scoreless tie, Carolina went for it on fourth down from the Giants” 2-yard line. The Panthers scored en route to a 38-0 victory.

Rivera”s team gambled 11 more times on fourth-down plays after that. Carolina converted eight times as Rivera ended the season as Associated Press” coach of the year. His go-for-it style earned the Riverboat nickname that Rivera initially protested. But now he”s game with a Twitter handle of @RiverboatRonHC.

The Seaside Spartans of the 1970s graced their linebacker/quarterback with other nicknames: “Double R” for his initials or “Rolls Royce.”

Why the car reference?

“Because he was so good and we were like Toyota Corollas,” high school teammate Pat Price said.

Follow Elliott Alond on Twitter at twitter.com/elliottalmond .

More in News

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Inaugural california native american celebration to be held in eureka on saturday.

RCEA takes no action on nuclear power allocations, passes on power

National Politics | Wisconsin Supreme Court says Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name will remain on swing state’s ballot

Arcata Fire District extinguishes vegetation fire near Highway 101

The evolution of ‘Riverboat Ron’ Rivera:…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Entertainment

The evolution of ‘Riverboat Ron’ Rivera: Friends say it wasn’t always that way

The change three years ago surprised family and friends on the Monterey Peninsula where Rivera grew up. They recall a man with a strong military upbringing who didn’t take unnecessary risks on the field.

“‘Riverboat Ron?’ I just don’t see that,” said Dave Miller, one of Rivera’s coaches at Seaside High in the 1970s. “He’s old school. It’s so rare to see him get upset.”

It seemed playing it safe would spell Rivera’s doom in 2013 after consecutive losing years in Carolina. The unemployment line was beckoning in the season’s third week after the Panthers (0-2) kicked a field goal on a fourth-and-one play that allowed the Buffalo Bills to rally for a last-second victory.

“I was thinking conservatively and I’ll never do that again,” Rivera later told brother Steven Rivera. “I go by instinct now.”

The bleak outcome of the Bills’ game still was on Rivera’s mind two nights later when commuting home from the team facility. He was so consumed with the defeat that Rivera drove through a red light and narrowly avoided getting sideswiped.

A new side of Rivera’s coaching personality appeared in the Panthers’ game that weekend against the New York Giants.

In the first quarter of a scoreless tie, Carolina went for it on fourth down from the Giants’ 2-yard line. The Panthers scored en route to a 38-0 victory.

Rivera’s team gambled 11 more times on fourth-down plays after that. Carolina converted eight times as Rivera ended the season as Associated Press’ coach of the year. His go-for-it style earned the Riverboat nickname that Rivera initially protested. But now he’s game with a Twitter handle of @RiverboatRonHC.

The Seaside Spartans of the 1970s graced their linebacker/quarterback with other nicknames: “Double R” for his initials or “Rolls Royce.”

Why the car reference?

“Because he was so good and we were like Toyota Corollas,” high school teammate Pat Price said.

Contact Elliott Almond at 408-920-5865. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/elliottalmond .

More in News

Crime & Public Safety | San Rafael woman charged with killing mother pleads insanity

National Politics | Wisconsin Supreme Court says Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name will remain on swing state’s ballot

Local News | ‘Insulting’: Marin commissioners rebuke planners over housing control

Crime & Public Safety | Tam Union school district loses appeal of $10M sex abuse verdict

• Election Results
• The Political Beat
• Latest Links
• Continuing Coverage
• Talking About Race
• Power Grid Security
• Black History in the Carolinas
• Streaming/Mobile Apps
• Newsletter Sign-up (Opens in new window)
• Severe Weather Resources
• Interactive Radar
• 7-Day Forecast
• Tracking the Tropics
• Hour by Hour
• Video Forecast
• School Closings
• Report Closings
• Closings Instructions
• WSOCTV Weather Apps
• Live Stream
• WSOC 24/7 News
• Weather 24/7
• The $pend $mart Stream
• Law & Crime
• Curiosity NOW
• 9 Investigates
• Carolina Panthers
• Charlotte FC
• High School Football
• 9 School Tools
• Carolinas Get Real
• Priced Out Of Charlotte
• Mental Health Resources
• Faces of Pride
• Family Focus
• 9 Food Drive
• Steves Coats
• 9 Crisis Help
• Carolina Strong
• Black History Month
• Back to School
• Steals and Deals
• Contests (Opens in new window)
• Advertise with Us
• Daily 2 Video
• Toyota of North Charlotte
• What's on Channel 9
• What's On TV64
• Closed Captioning
• Visitor Agreement
• Privacy Policy
• Celebrando la Herencia Hispana
• Programas de Telemundo
• Share Your Pics!

‘Riverboat Ron' nickname going viral

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has a new nickname that is catching on quickly. Rivera got the nickname "Riverboat Ron" when he went for it on fourth-and-1 twice on the first series in a 35-10 victory over the Vikings on Oct. 13. ESPN.com reported that Jim Kennedy, a graphic artist from Raleigh, posted a picture online showing Rivera dressed up as a riverboat gambler wearing dark sunglasses with the "Riverboat Ron" slogan on it with Bank of America Stadium in the background. The image quickly went viral Monday after the Panthers beat the 49ers 10-9 Sunday afternoon. Rivera's daughter, Courtney, posted the photo on her Instagram page and put it out on Twitter also. The Panthers win over the 49ers extended the team's win streak to five games. Rivera has been criticized in the past for not going for it on fourth down.  Only one NFL coach has gone for it less than Rivera since 2011, ESPN.com reported . That coach was former Panthers and current Broncos coach John Fox.

Photos: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock devastated after Helene

Torrential rainfall causes widespread flooding in the mountains

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, hospitalized, treated for burns, sources say

Lake Lure Dam no longer at imminent risk of failure, officials say

Residents monitor river levels after floodgates to dam open

Advertisement

7 current and former washington stars make top-101 list of greatest nfl nicknames ever, share this article.

When you think of nicknames, specifically NFL nicknames, what is the first one that comes to mind?

Names such as “Sweetness,” “Juice,” “Megatron,” and “Broadway Joe” are just some of the names that first come to mind. Hardcore NFL fans need no more information as they know who those players are just by the nickname.

Touchdown Wire recently put out a list of the top 101 nicknames in NFL history. It is a fun list. Players such as Brett Favre, Calvin Johnson, and, of course, Walter Payton are on the list. Others, such as Ickey Woods, are more popular for their name than their game.

How many former — and current — Washington stars made this unique list?

Seven current and former members of the Washington Football Team made Touchdown Wire’s list of the top nicknames.

Here are all seven of those players — and coach — with Touchdown Wire’s thoughts on each.

99. Chase Young — Predator

Chase Young earned his nickname in college with the Ohio State Buckeyes as a nod to his dreadlocks and his relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. For those unfamiliar with the “Predator” film series, the antagonist is a ruthlessly intimidating, dreadlocked alien being. Young enjoyed an impressive rookie season with the Washington Football Team in 2020, recording 44 tackles, 7½ sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 15 games.

Young is poised to become one of the NFL’s top defenders this season, and his nickname certainly fits his game.

91. ‘Slingin’ Sammy Baugh

Unknown date & Location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh in a portrait session. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

Slingin’ Sammy Baugh was the first prolific passer in NFL history, a forerunner of the future quarterback prototype at a time when the ground game was the preferred method of offense. He actually earned the nickname from a Texas sportswriter as a student-athlete at Texas Christian, where he was a two-time All-America quarterback. He went on to play 16 NFL seasons with Washington, and he was the league’s career leader in passing yards when he retired after the 1952 season.

Baugh is arguably the top player in the history of Washington’s storied franchise.

72. Ryan Fitzpatrick — Amish Rifle

Jun 10, 2021; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) passes the ball during drills as part of minicamp at Inova Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s an entirely different kind of rifle. Ryan Fitzpatrick humorously dubbed himself the Amish Rifle in a nod to his ample beard while a member of the Buffalo Bills a decade ago. A football nomad who has toiled for the Rams, Bengals, Bills, Titans, Texans, Jets, Buccaneers and Dolphins, Fitzpatrick signed with the Washington Football Team in March 2021. We would be remiss not to mention his secondary nickname, FitzMagic, bestowed when he eclipsed 400 passing yards in three consecutive games to start the 2018 season.

Fitzpatrick has many nicknames. Fitzmagic, Fitztragic and the Amish Rifle are just three of his nicknames. Washington hopes it sees plenty of Fitzmagic in 2021.

67. Terrance Knighton — Pot Roast

Aug 1, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) stretches on the field during afternoon practice as part of day three of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Terrance Knighton earned the nickname Pot Roast when a teammate heard him emphatically order one during a team flight with the Jacksonville Jaguars. “So it stuck to me,” Knighton said at Super Bowl XLVIII media day. “It was either that or Shrimp Alfredo.” At 6-foot-3 and 355 pounds, there’s nothing shrimpy about Knighton. He registered 206 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during a seven-year NFL career with Jacksonville, Denver and Washington.

He only played one year in Washington, but come on, how many nicknames are better than “Pot Roast?”

47. Ron Rivera — Riverboat Ron

Jun 10, 2021; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera stands on the field during drills as part of minicamp at Inova Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera became known as “Riverboat Ron” as a nod to riverboat gamblers because of his willingness to take risks. He wasn’t always like that, though. His willingness to gamble is fueled in part by a conservative decision that backfired in 2013 when he was coaching the Carolina Panthers. Prior to his coaching career, Rivera played linebacker for the Chicago Bears for nine seasons, including the 1985 Super Bowl season.

Rivera played his entire career with the Chicago Bears and spent a decade coaching the Carolina Panthers. Now, he is unquestionably the top man in Washington’s football power structure.

“Riverboat Ron” is a classic nickname.

44. John Riggins — Diesel

Dec 9, 1984; Dallas , TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins running back John Riggins (44) on the bench against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Years before basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal took the “Diesel” nickname to the hardwood, John Riggins was dubbed with the moniker for his bruising running style on the football field. No play was more emblematic of Riggins’ career than his 43-yard touchdown romp in Super Bowl XVII, in which he dragged hapless defender Don McNeal for several yards before bursting into the open down the sideline for the go-ahead score. In 14 NFL seasons with the New York Jets and Washington, Riggins rushed for 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns.

So many nicknames are synonymous with those great Washington teams from the 1970s until the early 1990s. You had the “Hogs,” then the “Fun Bunch” and finally “The Posse.”

Then, you had the “Diesel.” Stories of John Riggins from his time with Washington are legendary. He had one of the best nicknames for a running back in league history.

21. Deion Sanders — Prime Time

Jul 24, 2014; Richmond, VA, USA; NFL Network analyst and NFL hall of Famer Deion Sanders stands on the field during an afternoon walkthrough on day two of Washington Redskins training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

One of the greatest cover corners in NFL history, Deion Sanders actually received his nickname for exploits on the basketball court. The moniker came from a teammate at North Fort Myers High in southwest Florida after Sanders had scored 30 points in a game. The nickname served him well as he became a multisport standout in college at Florida State and went on to stardom in the NFL and major league baseball. In 14 NFL seasons with Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington and Baltimore, Sanders excelled on special teams and even played some wide receiver on offense in addition to his usual defensive duties. He was picked for the Pro Bowl eight times and named first-time All-Pro six times.

Deion only spent one season with Washington, but it certainly was memorable. The WFT had three Hall of Famers at corner with Sanders, Darrell Green and Champ Bailey.

Want the latest news and insights on your favorite team?

Sign up for our newsletter to get updates to your inbox, and also receive offers from us, our affiliates and partners. By signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Commanders Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

Most Popular

Commanders' dc joe whitt waiting for a couple of cornerbacks to stand up, dan quinn praises two rookies not named jayden daniels, how does jayden daniels' passing stats stack up against the rest of the nfl, commanders vs. cardinals: 5 things to know about week 4, watch: commanders' broadcast team goes wild over mclaurin's game-clinching touchdown, commanders dc insists he's not down on safety darrick forrest, what aaron rodgers, pat mcafee and other said about commanders qb jayden daniels.

Please enter an email address.

Thanks for signing up.

Please check your email for a confirmation.

Something went wrong.

• Depth Chart
• On SI On SI On SI
• si.com si.com si.com
• si swimsuit si swimsuit si swimsuit
• si sportsbook si sportsbook si sportsbook
• si tickets si tickets si tickets
• si showcase si showcase si showcase
• si resorts si resorts si resorts

Does Washington's 'Riverboat Ron' Understand Analytics?

• Author: Mike Fisher

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera received the nickname “Riverboat Ron” during his time with the Carolina Panthers . Whether he was/is truly a "gambler'' by nature is subject to debate ... but all it takes is one "go-for-it'' moment, a nickname in a headline ... and then the subject himself (Rivera) embracing it ...

And "Riverboat Ron'' it is.

The smartest coaches, of course, don't just "gamble.'' It's about "calculated gambles,'' decisions arrived at by both taking the temperature of a given situation and consulting the advanced-analytics probabilities in that situation.

Rivera's first big "Riverboat'' decision in Washington during his first season here arrived in October against the New York Giants . The WFT scored a TD with less than a minute left, cutting the New York lead to one.

Kick it to go to OT?

Or go for the win?

Washington opted for the latter. Washington was unsuccessful. Washington lost the game.

Is there a "perfect right answer''? No, because that "probability chart'' cannot possibly take into account factors like momentum, injuries, weather, confidence ... or maybe a coach and his players believing they have an ideal play for an ideal circumstance against an ideal defense.

The subject popped up again recently when Rivera guested on the “Rich Eisen Show” as the subject of analytics was broached.

And "Riverboat Ron'' seemed to not grasp the numbers.

READ MORE:  New Nickname? Washington Football Team Asks For Fan Input

“I have had situations where when we’ve gone for it with the analytics, and it didn’t (work) out,” Rivera said. “And I’ve been told, ‘Hey, that’s OK, you did what the analytics said.’ And, to me, I struggle with that, because if I do what analytics said and it says, 'Nine times out of 10, you are gonna complete it,' there’s that one time out of 10 you don’t.”

Wait. What?

Ron tried again ...

"How do you know if you’re going to be that one time out of 10 that isn’t successful? There is no guarantee; you can tell me all you want, 'That’s 99 percent.' Hey, that’s good, yeah, but (what) if you’re that 1 percent? What’s that one time it doesn’t work?''

Here's hoping that Rivera - who we find to be a bright person, risk-taker or not - has a better mastery of numbers than he demonstrates here. Because, yes, factors like momentum, injuries, weather and confidence should all be considered, tossed into the same gumbo pot as analytics.

But if the analytics tell you to do something "99 percent'' of the time? That's no "gamble.'' Aboard the ol' riverboat, that's pretty much called "a sure thing.''

READ MORE:  Washington Football Team Need For Speed: Brugler Breakdown Of NFL Draft

Latest Commanders News

Commanders Sign Panthers Safety Jeremy Chinn: Details

Former Temple Kicker Brandon McManus Signing With Washington Commanders

Cowboys' Fowler Jr. Signs with Commanders

Chiefs to Sign Commanders' Samuel? NFL Free Agency Rumor

Commanders Dramatically Remodel Roster at Start of Free Agency

• Champions League
• Motor Sports
• High School
• Horse Racing Northeast
• Shop Northeast
• PBR Northeast
• 3ICE Northeast
• Stubhub Northeast
• Play Golf Northeast

Report: Panthers coach Ron Rivera looking to trademark Riverboat Ron

Panther coach ron rivera has reportedly filed paperwork to trademark his new 'riverboat ron' nickname..

Panthers coach Ron Rivera might prefer to be called 'Analytical Ron,' but no football fan in America actually calls him that. Everyone else is referring to Rivera by his more famous nickname, "Riverboat Ron."

The nickname has taken on a life of its own and it's gotten so big that Rivera filed paperwork to trademark it last month, according to CharlotteMagazine.com . The paperwork was filed by Rivera's lawyer on Nov. 18, the same day the Panthers beat the Patriots on Monday Night Football . 

I’m convinced: Riverboat Ron and 1st Capt. Cam are legit. pic.twitter.com/GoLYZ9VPRl — ryan wilson (@ryanwilson_07) November 11, 2013

"It's unbelievable," Rivera said of the nickname on Friday, via ESPN.com . "This thing has taken on a mind of its own. It's kind of gone all over the place, and it's one of those things that the moniker is what it is as far as trying to describe some of the decisions I've made."

Rivera seems to have developed his Riverboat mindset after the Panthers lost to the Bills in Week 2. In that game, Rivera decided to kick a field goal on fourth-and-1 with 1:42 left. The kick gave the Panthers a six-point lead, but left some time on the clock for the Bills, time the Bills used to score the game-winning touchdown. 

If the Panthers had gone for it on fourth down and converted, they could have run out the clock and won because Buffalo was out of timeouts. 

In the 11 weeks since that game, the Panthers have gone for it 11 times on fourth down and converted nine of those attempts. Two of those fourth down conversions came on the Panthers first offensive series against Minnesota in Week 6. The drive ended with a touchdown and Rivera's two fourth down gambles led to this tweet from Charlotte sportscaster Mike Solarte: 

New name: Riverboat Ron — Mike Solarte (@MikeSolarte) October 13, 2013

Now Rivera is embracing the nickname and he says he's going to use the trademark for charity. 

"I kind of look at what I've done as just calculating it. But I will say this: My wife and I are going to try to figure out a way to use it to help benefit some of these charities out here that we work with," Rivera said. "We've got to just keep rolling with it, I guess."

Rivera's riverboat ways will be on national display on Sunday when the Panther play the Saints on Sunday night football. 

(Wink of the CBS Eye to GoldAndOrSmith )

Our Latest NFL Stories

Steelers vs. Colts: Where to watch, stream, prediction

Bryan deardo • 2 min read.

Bills vs. Ravens: Everything to know about 'SNF' battle

Jordan dajani • 4 min read.

NFL Week 4 injuries: All of the latest updates

Bryan deardo • 8 min read.

Bengals' Chase 'wouldn't mind' Burrow being more vocal

Garrett podell • 1 min read.

Adams, Crosby headline Raiders out Week 4 vs. Browns

LOOK: Aiyuk throws tantrum during 49ers' practice

Bryan deardo • 1 min read, share video.

NFL Week 4 expert picks, best bets and more

Bold predictions: Pack hand Vikings 1st loss

Prisco's Week 4 picks: Ravens bounce Bills

QB Power Rankings: Darnold enters top 10

Week 4 injury report: Pair of standout QBs questionable

McCaffrey injury update: 49ers RB returns to U.S.

Report: Cowboys' Lawrence (foot) to miss multiple weeks

Report: Parsons diagnosed with high-ankle sprain

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera earns…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Today's e-Edition

• Things to Do
• Real Estate
• Marketplace

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera earns ‘Riverboat Ron’ nickname

The 1-3 Panthers were looking at a dismal season when Rivera took his gamble. In an October game against the Minnesota Vikings, twice on the same drive Rivera had the Panthers go for it on fourth-and-1 rather than kick a field goal.

Both plays succeeded — the second was a touchdown — leading to a 35-10 victory that helped turn their season around. The Panthers have won 11 of their past 12 games, and Sunday they host the 49ers in an NFC divisional game. A win, and Carolina will be a step closer to the second Super Bowl in the franchise’s 19-year history. The Panthers lost the Super Bowl to New England in the 2003 season.

As it turns out, the roots of Rivera’s gambling ways sprouted in Berkeley.

Rivera was at Cal in 1983, playing for coach Joe Kapp. The Bears had just kicked a field goal against Texas A&M in the final minute to break a 17-17 tie, but Kapp took the points off the board when the Aggies were penalized. On the next play, Cal fumbled the ball away inside the 5.

One play later, Rivera, then an All-America linebacker, tackled a Texas A&M runner in the end zone for a safety, and Cal won 19-17.

“Ron Rivera saved the day,” Kapp told this newspaper this week. “A coach’s goal is to prepare a player to succeed, and he’s really succeeded.”

Rivera, who played at Seaside High before coming to Cal, credits Kapp for much of his success. During a Wednesday conference call, Rivera said, “Joe Kapp has always been a huge influence in my life.”

“Ron was quiet,” Kapp said, “but his personality was always that of a leader. No one thought Carolina would do that much this year, but he’s got them right there.”

The Panthers are a young team, and Rivera, who interviewed nine times for NFL head-coaching jobs before landing in Carolina in 2011, has always been one to show the kids how it’s done.

Bill Cooper, who coached linebackers at Cal under Kapp, said he didn’t know Rivera would end up coaching. But Cooper did know that Rivera would work well with the younger set, no matter what he did.

“I know he had a real affinity for kids,” Cooper said. “I know because I saw how good he was baby-sitting my son. Kevin grew up idolizing everything Ron Rivera did, on the field and off. Ron was always fully aware of the whole team concept and how he was a part of it. I think he’s taken that into his role as the head coach.”

Another Rivera strength is his ability to separate what he can control from what he can’t.

A few hours after the Panthers fell to 0-2 on Sept. 15 with a one-point loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Charlotte Observer newspaper ran a poll asking fans if team owner Jerry Richardson should fire Rivera. At that point, the Panthers were 13-21 in Rivera’s two-plus seasons.

Eighty percent of the readers answering the poll supported getting rid of the former Cal star.

A month later, Riverboat Ron was born during that thrashing of the Vikings.

“We are doing the things we need to do to play winning football,” Rivera said. “We’ve been very consistent and relatively disciplined. We’ve had four fourth-quarter winning drives. That’s something we haven’t done in the past.”

They’re doing it now, getting their direction from Riverboat Ron, who’s become quite the gambler.

Follow John Hickey on Twitter at twitter.com/JHickey3 .

• Report an error
• Policies and Standards

More in Sports

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

College sports | mailbag: pac-12 loses realignment narrative, unlv’s decision, the mw and the mac, the reverse merger fail and more.

Oakland Athletics | National reporters blast John Fisher over of A’s departure from Oakland

San Jose Sharks | Sharks cut seven players from preseason roster

San Francisco 49ers | When will McCaffrey return to 49ers? No one knows, but it’s headed in the wrong direction

NEW! Find where to watch all of your favorite sports!

'Riverboat Ron' name catching on

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers ' second-ranked defense can't get a nickname to stick, but coach Ron Rivera has one that won't go away no matter how much he'd like it to: Riverboat Ron.

Rivera was given the nickname after showing the instincts of a riverboat gambler when he successfully went for it on fourth-and-1 twice on the first series of a 35-10 victory at Minnesota on Oct. 13.

The nickname took on a new life Monday when Jim Kennedy, a graphic artist from Raleigh, N.C., posted online a picture of Rivera as a riverboat gambler.

Rivera is portrayed wearing dark sunglasses, a black Panthers cowboy hat and a Panthers blue jacket with a black vest and a tie. In one hand he is holding a cigar and the other poker cards. In the background is a picture of Bank of America Stadium and the words Riverboat Ron.

Kennedy initially posted the picture to a Panthers' fan page. It exploded Monday night when Rivera's daughter, Courtney, posted it on Instagram and it later turned into a Twitter post.

Kennedy said he designed the picture after hearing friends refer to Rivera as "Riverboat" during Sunday's 10-9 victory at San Francisco that extended Carolina's winning streak to five.

"It's really nice, exciting how something like this I did for fun real quick got spread all over the Internet," Kennedy said. "It's cool Rivera's daughter saw it. That means he may see it."

Rivera had no idea his daughter posted the picture until told during his Wednesday news conference.

"Oh, that's not fair now," Rivera said as he looked at his cellphone to reread a text message from his daughter that made more sense. "I'm going to talk to her."

Rivera wasn't a gambler before this season. Only one NFL coach had gambled less on fourth down than him since 2011, and that was former Carolina coach John Fox.

Rivera changed his philosophy after being criticized for not gambling in a 24-23 loss to Buffalo in Week 2. With a three-point lead and just under two minutes left, Rivera elected to go for a short field goal to give the Panthers a six-point lead.

That put the Bills in position of having to score a touchdown to win, which they did with two seconds left.

Rivera said he decided on the bus ride to the airport afterward that he needed to be more aggressive and show more faith in his offense in those situations.

Since then, the Panthers (6-3) have converted 5 of 7 fourth-and-1 plays.

"The thing I really like is the guys have said to me they appreciate me showing faith in who we are as a football team," Rivera said.

But Rivera doesn't particularly like the nickname, saying the calls are well thought out and calculated risks. Asked how many of his players call him "Riverboat," Rivera smiled and said, "Unfortunately, too many of them."

Left tackle Jordan Gross is as guilty as anybody. He used the nickname on his coach in the weight room Wednesday, making him blush.

Not all players are so daring.

"I don't think you want to tease our head coach," quarterback Cam Newton said. "That's not a good method of flattery."

Newton paused to admit he wasn't familiar with the nickname. When it was explained to him, he said, "Oh. I heard a couple of people call him Chico. That has been something that has followed him since Chicago."

Rivera, a former linebacker for the Chicago Bears , was given that nickname when he became the first American of Puerto Rican descent to play in the NFL.

"I don't think any player would say, 'Hey, Coach Riverboat,'" Newton said. "No, I don't think even you. You would be getting a letter, a memo, by Mr. [general manager] Dave Gettleman with that."

Defensive end Greg Hardy agreed.

"You call your boss a name," he said. "I want to keep my job, so no. Ron. Riveting Ron."