Cam Newton shares emotional 'thank you' message to Ron Rivera after Panthers coach's firing
Cam Newton has had only one head coach during his impressive NFL career - Ron Rivera.
Now the injured Carolina Panthers quarterback will have a second coach, as Rivera was fired Tuesday.
Rivera went 76-63-1 during his eight-plus years with Carolina. He teamed up with Newton to lead the Panthers to a 15-1 record in 2015, a year in which Newton was named NFL MVP and the team lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.
Newton posted a heartfelt message to Rivera Tuesday, saying:
"Will be forever grateful because of the impact you had on my life… Thank you for giving me an opportunity. Thank you for believing in me. I can go on & on but most importantly; thank you for allowing me to be me!! …this one hurt deep!!"
Rivera likely won't be out of a job for long. But the bond he and Newton built over the years was a special one.