‘End of an era.’ Fans, QB Newton react on social media to Panthers firing Ron Rivera
Social media reacted in seconds to news that the Carolina Panthers fired head coach Ron Rivera on Tuesday.
Twitter erupted with fans expressing both shock and support for the team’s decision.
And at 6:43 p.m., Panthers star QB Cam Newton posted on the Panthers’ Instagram page: “This one hurt deep!!”
“Will be forever grateful because of the impact you had on my life,” Newton posted. “Thank you for giving me an opportunity. Thank you for believing in me. I can go on and on but most importantly; Thank you for allowing me to be me!!”
Tweeted Panthers tight end Greg Olsen: “On the day I was traded to the @Panthers in 2011, every player who played for Ron in Chicago said the same thing to me on my way out. ‘You are going to play for a great coach, but a better man.’ I am so proud to have shared this 9 yr journey together with you @RiverboatRonHC.”
Some fans said they expected Rivera’s firing for weeks given the Panthers’ poor performance for much of the season. Others were surprised, saying Rivera had been dealt a tough hand with Newton on the injured list.
Among those celebrating were fans of one of the Panthers’ chief rivals, the New Orleans Saints, and one particularly vocal guy who changed his Twitter name to “Adios Ronald Rivera.” He sent at least a dozen tweets, some biting, but conceded that Rivera was “clearly the best coach in Panthers history.”
Others said they will miss the coach who took the Panthers to a Super Bowl, even if they didn’t win. They also mourned the loss of one of the few minority head coaches in the NFL and questioned what the firing means for Newton’s future.
Rivera’s former star running back Jonathan Stewart called Rivera the best coach in Panthers history.
“Thank you @RiverboatRonHC for all you’ve done for me and for believing in me!” Stewart tweeted, sending well wishes to the coach who has come to be called “Riverboat Ron,” as a nickname.
Former Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx tweeted: “As a @panthers fan, I am genuinely sad to see @RiverboatRonHC go. He stood by his players, even while trying to ‘coach them up.’ I would not be surprised if he fell on the sword. He and Stephanie are great people and will have other opportunities. I wish them great success.”
Some on social media believe another team will quickly hire Rivera.
“I don’t think Ron Rivera will be out of a job long,” posted Sports Senate. “Should be one of the hottest coaching candidates this year.”
Fans called it both the end and the start of an era.
Here’s what others had to say:
This story was originally published December 3, 2019 at 4:56 PM.