Rivera supports the hiring of military veterans (via D. Newton).

[top dawg]

Thank you to all the active military and vets here in the Huddle, and worldwide.  Sure it's nice, fluffy sentiment, but sincere nonetheless. This short piece about Rivera may be considered fluff as well, but there is a little insight into the way that the team is being run, and the culture that has been developed. 

 

David Newton obviously took a little time to go seeRiverboat Ron Rivera make a speech at the USO in Charlotte about why people should hire military vets.  As most should know by now, Rivera has a lot of insight into the value of military vets, because he was a military brat. During his speech, Rivera "related everything he learned from his father and his military experience and how that could be applied to a football team -- or everyday life."  Rivera specifically referred to the Jonathan Martin situation, and though he didn't say that bullying couldn't happen within the panthers' organization, he basically suggested that something like that would not happen in Charlotte because of the values that he and others try to instill within the culture of the team---values that he learned growing up within a military culture. Rivera is in command, and keeps up with the pulse of the team first hand, and he leads by example.  

 

 "I know Jonathan went through a difficult situation. ... One of the things we try to do and I try to do is be more available to players, be more visible in the locker room.

 

"The biggest thing I've learned in my four years is the locker room is not theirs, it's not mine, it's ours, because we all have vested interest in what's happening out there."

 

 

The most important part of the lesson is in the photos that Newton tweeted. It's not long at all, so take a look at the short tweets and see some of the things that are being passed along to our players, no doubt, in reference to being accountable and being a leader.  

 

I know that I couldn't help but think of how that sense of team, family, accountability and leadership helped lead to the runs that propelled us into the playoffs the last couple of seasons. And it all starts with Rivera, and the core principles he learned growing up as a kid of a soldier.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/12953/ron-rivera-delivers-strong-message-for-hiring-military-veterans

 

 

 

[UpstatePanther]

Fluff piece or not, I was glad Newton wrote the article.

Say what you want about the Panthers' dealings with troubled players, but I for one am glad to be a fan of the Panthers because they truly are an organization that strives for integrity. It's one of the many reasons I love this team so much.

[panthers55]

Cmon now.  Lets not say anything nice about Ron and the fact he has instilled good values and hard work ethics in our locker room.  How can everyone bash him if it turns out he is doing a good job and building the team from the inside out.  All that matters is that his overall record is 32-31 and in the playoffs we are 1-2.  Who cares what kind of team and character we are building.  Am I right????

 

 

Sarcasm off......

[ladypanther]

That is a great piece.  I am even more impressed with Rivera.  He is a Panther. He is perfect for our team.    I hope he succeeds here....not just because I want the team to win but because he is such a good guy....a quality human being, I want it for him.   

[rmoneyg35]

I found it funny that Rivera was late to the meeting and yet his presentation said to be on time.

[Fox007]

Oh poo I may have to go try out then...oh wait those two hip replacements...damn oh well next life then.

 

 

[t96]

Honestly I love the entire team right now. Nothing that I would change. Would I like Hardy back and Shula fired? Sure, but I'm more than happy with how we are built right now. No bad eggs on our team at all.

[nctarheel0619]

Panthers need to hire me for accounting purposes.  

[gettlemanjack]

-Rivera: Rule #1. Don't be late!

-Rivera shows up ten minutes late

-Everybody laughs at him

What a clown. But I'd rather play for a clown than some strict hard ass that sucks to work for