Cal's Ron Rivera named to Hispanic Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class

Congratulations, Riverboat Ron.

Cal general manager and UC Berkeley alumnus (’83) Ron Rivera was named to the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame’s Inaugural Class of 2026, the nonprofit organization announced Tuesday in a press release.

"I take great pride in my Hispanic heritage, and it is a tremendous honor to be selected as part of the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class,” Rivera said in a Cal football press release. "Every member of this class has made significant contributions to the game of football, and it is important that their contributions are recognized, honored and celebrated.

"We are thrilled that the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame has been established and excited about the role it will play in helping promote football to the Hispanic community."

Rivera, of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, is joined by fellow legends Tom Flores, Ted Hendricks, Jim Plunkett, Tom Fears, Anthony Muñoz, and Steve Van Buren.

“These legendary players and coaches have made lasting contributions to the game of football while serving as trailblazers and role models within the Hispanic community,” the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame said. “Their excellence on and off the field has helped shape the sport’s history and inspire future generations.”

The 64-year-old Rivera and the first-ever class will be recognized during the “Celebración de Fútbol” on Cinco de Mayo, May 5, 2026, at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters in Henderson, Nevada.

“The Hispanic Football Hall of Fame was created to recognize and celebrate the profound impact Hispanic athletes and leaders have had on the game of football,” said Sandy Nunez, Hispanic Football Hall of Fame selection committee chairperson. 

“This inaugural class reflects excellence, lasting legacy, and a future where the next generation can see themselves at the highest levels of the sport.”

Rivera, who helped found the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame, stands tall among some of the greatest names to ever grace the gridiron.

As a player, the Cal Athletics Hall of Famer and former linebacker starred for the Golden Bears before enjoying a nine-year NFL playing career with the Chicago Bears — with whom he became the first player of Puerto Rican descent to win a Super Bowl in league history in 1985 — between 1984 and 1992. 

As a coach, Rivera began as a defensive quality control coach with Chicago in 1997 before climbing the ranks to head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2011. Over 13 years as an NFL head coach, Rivera spent nine with Carolina — during which he earned two Coach of the Year nods and a trip to Super Bowl 50 — and four with Washington.

And of course, Rivera returned to Berkeley to become Cal’s general manager in March 2025.

The late Joe Kapp, dubbed “The Toughest Chicano,” would be proud of what his former player and mentee, Rivera, has accomplished and represented since his playing days in Berkeley.

“The Hispanic Football Hall of Fame … was established to celebrate and honor the achievements of Hispanic players, coaches, and contributors in the sport of football,” the organization said.

”Its mission is to preserve history, showcase excellence, and inspire future generations by highlighting the cultural and athletic contributions of Hispanics to the game.”

Rivera sure does fit the mold.