Ron Rivera To Receive Glenn Seaborg Award

BERKELEY – Ron Rivera, whose contributions to Cal have spanned 45 years, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Glenn Seaborg Award.

Named in honor of the Nobel Laureate and former UC Berkeley chancellor, the Seaborg Award is presented annually to a former Cal football player for his career accomplishments and who represents the honored Cal principles and traditions of excellence in academics, athletics, leadership and attitude.

"It is truly an honor to receive the Glenn Seaborg Award," Rivera said. "My time as a student-athlete at Cal was a gift, and it's been a privilege for my wife, Stephanie, and I to be associated with the University for our entire adult life."

Rivera, who currently serves as the general manager of the Cal football program, played linebacker for Cal from 1980-83 and was a consensus All-American as a senior. He went on to forge a nine-year NFL playing career with the Chicago Bears that included a Super Bowl championship in 1985.

Following his playing days, Rivera had a decorated coaching career with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders, twice earning NFL Coach of the Year recognition.

All along, Rivera embodied the values of the Seaborg Award, committing himself to his community through partnerships with the Ronald McDonald House, USO and Humane Society, among others. He was also a finalist for the Salute to Service Award, an annual honor presented to NFL players, coaches, personnel and alumni who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community. 

Rivera has stayed closely connected to Cal throughout his adult life. He and Stephanie – a former Golden Bear women's basketball player – met while both were Cal student-athletes. They have supported the University throughout their years in a variety of ways, including through philanthropic means and investing their time as fans across all of Cal's athletic programs.

Rivera's latest way to give back is to return to Cal as the general manager of the football team, where he has complete oversight of every aspect of the program. He was hired for the role in March.