russell je napisao/la:

zašto ga zovu riverboat? jel to neka wetback šema 

Over the first 34 games of his coaching career, he was known for exceptionally conservative decision making which led to a 2-14 record in games decided by less than a touchdown. With Carolina opening the 2013 season 0-2, reports circled that the front office was already performing background checks on new potential head coach candidates. Facing a 4th and 1 from the two yard line in the first quarter against the also 0-2 New York Giants in week three, Rivera went for the touchdown instead of a field goal. A Mike Tolbert run found the end zone, Carolina ended up winning the game 38-0. It has been said that the reason for the play call was that Rivera actually thought it was first down.

Over the next five games, the Panthers went for a first down five times in situations where conventional strategy called for a field goal attempt. They converted on four of them and ended each of those drives with touchdowns, all in wins. The lone failure was against the Cardinals when Brandon LaFell dropped a wide open pass across the middle from Cam Newton that would have resulted in a sure touchdown as well. This sudden aggression in his play-calling has earned Rivera the nickname "Riverboat Ron", after Riverboat gamblers. Rivera has expressed discontent with the nickname, however, explaining he is "a calculated risk taker" not a gambler.^[10]