Ron Rivera

Ron Rivera has excelled as an NFL player, coach, and executive, known for his leadership and resilience. After becoming the first American of Puerto Rican descent to win Super Bowl XX in 1985 as a player with the Chicago Bears, Ron Rivera transitioned into a prolific career spanning over four decades as an NFL player, coach, and executive. As a collegiate linebacker for the California Golden Bears, he earned Consensus All-American honors, Pac-10 Football Defensive Player of the Year, and the Pop Warner Trophy, all in 1983. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft, Rivera played nine seasons, concluding his playing career in 1992 with 392 tackles, 7.5 sacks, nine interceptions, a Chicago Bears Man of the Year award in 1988, and the Ed Block Courage Award in 1989.

Demonstrating remarkable resilience, he led the team to an NFC East title during a period that included navigating a personal cancer diagnosis and the complexities of a global pandemic. His leadership was further recognized with the George Halas Award and the Salute to Service Award, both in 2022. In 2025, Rivera returned to his collegiate roots, accepting the general manager position for the California Golden Bears, where he now oversees the football program’s comprehensive budget and staff.