Rivera: Amazing grace while under fire - and we’re not talking football
The Story
A fire ripped through the South Charlotte home of Panthers Coach Ron Rivera in the wee hours Monday morning, causing a half million dollars in damage to his 7,000-square-foot home.
The Facts
– Rivera and his wife Stephanie – along with Rivera’s two brothers, their wives and his two dogs – made it out safely.
– It took more than 50 firefighters an hour to douse the fire, which did most damage to the upper floors
– Fire started in chimney. His brothers had the gas fireplace going all day while watching football. Rivera had shut it down before going to bed, but believes it continued to smolder.
The Grace
Between the many, many quotes Rivera graciously gave to the media to the kindness shown by friends, this story has its share of silver linings:
The Sweet:
– Neighbors made the Riveras coffee and breakfast later that morning. Quote: “When things get a little bit hairy, a little bit tough, all of a sudden you realize the friends that you have.”
– Firefighters saved all sorts of mementos: Wedding album, wedding pictures, family photos. Quote: “I mean, those are the kinds of things that you can’t replace, and we are very fortunate.”
– On his way to work, AKA Bank of America Stadium, Rivera started thinking about the old Jimmy Stewart movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Quote: “You see things through a different set of eyes now.”
Thank you to everyone for your concern. Family is ok, and that’s all that matters. @NFL http://t.co/vINiqgLBmD
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) January 5, 2015
The Useful
“If you don’t have an alarm system, folks, at least make sure you have smoke detectors.”
The Forgiving
Rivera said his two brothers had been using the fireplace much of Sunday while viewing the NFL playoffs. He said simply: “They’re football junkies.”
The Funny
“You know what they say: We’re rebuilding.”
C5’s Take
It’s been a weird season for the Panthers off the field. Rivera, of course, puts it best: “You can’t make this stuff up.”
Photos: Jeff Siner & Davie Hinshaw / Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published January 6, 2015 at 1:17 AM with the headline "Rivera: Amazing grace while under fire - and we’re not talking football."