CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera was a rookie linebacker for the Chicago Bears in 1984 when he heard a rather distinct and forceful voice call for him from behind the secondary.
"Chico! Come here!" defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan yelled during practice.
Rivera, referred to by some as "Chico" because he was the first NFL player of Puerto Rican and Mexican decent, immediately ran to Ryan's side, not knowing if he was in trouble or not.
After a few minutes of somewhat awkward silence, Ryan began rattling off questions to see if Rivera understood what was happening with his complicated "46 defense" that a year later would help the Bears win Super Bowl XX.