Ron Rivera has been diagnosed with lymph node cancer (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). The Washington Football Team head coach says the cancer is in its early stages and regarded as “very treatable and curable.” 
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“I was stunned. But I was angry because I feel like I’m in best health I’ve been in,” Rivera said.
The 58-year-old broke the news to his team earlier tonight with a bit of his trademark humor. “I’m going to be a little more cranky,” the coach warned. “So don’t piss me off.” Rivera plans to conduct business as usual, though he tells Schefter that there is a “Plan B” in place, in case he has to take some time away from the team.
As Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, that “Plan B” would be having defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio — who has 12 years of head coaching experience between the Jaguars and Raiders — assume HC duties. But RapSheet confirms that the plan is for Rivera to coach uninterrupted through the 2020 campaign.
Rivera, a former Bears linebacker, climbed his way up the ranks before taking over the Panthers’ head coach in 2011. The Panthers never captured the Lombardi Trophy with Rivera, but he did get them to Super Bowl 50 at the end of the 2015 season, and he earned Coach of the Year honors that year. Including playoffs, Carolina went 79-67-1 with Rivera at the helm. The Panthers parted ways with Rivera in December, leading him to Washington just a few weeks later.
We here at PFR would like to wish Rivera a speedy recovery.
wish him the best
A great team leader and defensive mind. I and many others wish Riverboat Ron a speedy recovery and eventual return to action
Oh, I hate to hear that! I followed him with the Bears and the subsequent idiocy of Lovie Smith letting him go. So glad he went on to bigger and better things. Prayers for him and his family…
Haven’t heard of lymph node cancer. Usually that’s means stage three when the cancer is in the lymph nodes.
I’ve always admired his steady sideline demeanor. Very classy guy. Hope he beats this.
Same and same.
I hope for the best for Ron. I’m glad they caught it early, but there is no “easy” version of cancer so I hope he progress through treatment quickly and successfully.
Not to be insensitive, but if he can’t make it back, my money is on Jack Del Rio to take over till he comes back. Still feel bad for the guy though. That’s one of those doctors visits you hope you never have to go through. Get well Ron.
This headline says “lymph node cancer” but they have actually clarified elsewhere that this was a squamous cell carcinoma (type of skin cancer) found in a lymph node. The five year survival rates of squamous cell carcinoma are at least 95% with appropriate treatment. Sounds like he’s in a good spot, but the league is definitely better with him in it, so hoping that all goes well.
Ate a table over from him at noodle bar in Southend in Charlotte a few years ago. He and his family were very nice and understanding with their server when it was an insanely busy mess. That says a lot about a wealthy, famous person in my opinion. Could have easily been upset, but didn’t expect or want special treatment. Get well soon coach.
You will never see Riverboat Ron back down from a battle. He will tackle this with the same force he used to crush opponents when he played for the Bears.
Get well soon coach!
A really good guy. Be well coach.
Wishes for a speedy recovery.
I hope he has a fast recovery