Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera spent nine seasons in Chicago as a Bears linebacker and stayed in the Windy City as a broadcaster. He followed those years with two stints as an assistant coach.
The California native evidently caught Cubs fever in those years. During Chicago’s World Series run last fall, a blue-and-white Cubs “W” flag flew in the Panthers coach yard. He also has shared fond memories of dining with legendary former Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray.
[MOM'S BIG NIGHT: Panthers coach remembers dinner with former Cubs sportscaster Harry Caray]
Saturday, Rivera was back in Chicago, atop the pitching mound at Wrigley Field to toss out the first pitch as the Cubs hosted the Colorado Rockies.