SI.com: Panthers Among NFC Elite

[UNCrules2187]

SAN FRANCISCO -- After his Panthers lost three of four to start the season, coach Ron Rivera couldn't have been more proud when his team won two in a row to reach .500 in October for the first time since 2008. But the satisfaction of the 30-15 victory over the Rams was tempered that night when Rivera and his wife went to dinner at Del Frisco's, an upscale steak house in the South Park neighborhood of Charlotte, N.C.

Seated in a private room, they watched the Football Night in America pregame show and waited for highlights of the Panthers. And waited. And waited some more. Rivera estimates that over the next 60 to 90 minutes he saw the Panthers mentioned only once.

"I looked at my wife and I said, 'We're not relevant,'" Rivera recalled. "Then I told the players the next day, 'Nobody talked about your asses because we're not relevant. But you know what? We're going to become relevant.'"

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20131110/carolina-panthers-ron-rivera-san-francisco-49ers/#ixzz2kJSyIg19

Love that swag from Ron.

[Dex]

That's just fuging epic.

[KendrickPanther]

Lol I'm sad to say I did the same thing. I was so hyped after that game. I got home and watched for some recognition and it never came.

[TylerVagyler]

what a badass 

[Gucci Mane]

The evolution from Stoic Ron to Riverboat Ron has been a thing of beauty.

[PhillyB]

rivera could legit become the most beloved panthers coach of all time. straight from the fires of hell and damnation into the sublime paradise of acceptance and adoration.

 

roll on down the river riverboat ron, you roll right on down the river and you do it now

[The Huddler]

Dont wana crown him too soon, but Rivera has a story similar to Thomas Davis.

Obviously Davis is king, but in terms of a story where someone refuses to give up, I feel like Rivera fits.

just think of all the contraversy Rivera has been through. He was like a game away from being fired in two different seasons. Standing in front of reporters every week where they make you out to be a complete fool every week takes some serious humility. I respect him like ni other because of it.

Ive called for his head several times, but im glad he didnt get wacked. He overcame serious adversity and it inspires me. We are lucky to have so many great characters in the organization.

Riverboat Ron is a bad ass and has some serious nads.

[SauceBoss]

Didn't anyone tell Riverboat that Football Night in America sucks? Harrison hates us and doesn't want to bring us up b/c he has to eat his own words. Berman/Dilfer/TJ/Saunders went off on how awesome we were tonight. They are the only reason I watch ESPN, and they delivered tonight. TJ kept mentioning how he was the only one that picked us. Also, Jaws picked us this week and his winning % is the best out of all the anal-ysts.

[frash.exe]

Stoic Ron - Steve Urkel

Riverboat Ron - Stefan Urquelle

[neverlosethefeeling]

Panthers are 11-5 over their last 16 games. Believe it.

[PantherPride5]

Hell yeah Ron. I remember that night on SNF as well... I was so pumped after beating the Rams in that physical game I couldn't wait to see them talking about it, but it never happened. 

[panthersphan]

I think I just shed a tear (of joy)

Ron has really turned it around, and on a dime too. And the players love him. You have to give him and his coaching staff, esp McDermott Shula, a ton of credit.

That loss to Buffalo may have been the best thing that has happened to this team.

[PantherWake]

THE RIVERBOAT

[xerxes]

The Panthers are 6-1 under new head coach Riverboat Rivera.