:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66822016/1210258174.jpg.0.jpg)
Redskins Salute and Blue Star Families held a virtual meet and greet between Washington Redskins Head Coach Ron Rivera and military families today. He talked about his own experience as part of a military family, how that shaped his high school/college experience, and also his outlook on life and coaching. He also talked about the Redskins first round pick Chase Young, and building a sustainable winning culture in Washington.
Virtual Meet & Greet with Head Coach Ron Rivera and 10 Blue Star Families presented by @LewisPriceInc is live. Follow along for updates. #Redskins pic.twitter.com/Ff3k7ps5zz
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
His mother:
Rivera said his parents still live in California, so whenever he goes to visit them, he's able to drive through the Fort Ord military base he stayed on growing up.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
Chain of command:
Rivera said that when you live on an army base, you learn about the chain of command, which is similar to NFL coaching. Also learned the importance of setting the standard from the top. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
High school recruitment:
Rivera said that right in the middle of his high school recruitment, his family was supposed to be moved to either Alaska or Germany. Instead, his father took a tour to South Korea by himself, and the family stayed in California. The family also sent high school tape to colleges.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
Redskins not having prime time games scheduled:
Ron Rivera is hosting a Q&A with military families. He had this to say about the team's lack of night games: "I'm not a big fan of prime-time games. ... I could care less that we have a prime time game. It doesn't matter when you watch us, just enjoy us."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 20, 2020
Rivera said he "could care less" about prime-time games. Growing up in a military family taught him about the importance of routine, so he's perfectly fine with kicking off at 1 p.m. ET each week.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
"It doesn't matter when you watch us; you're going to enjoy us."
Playing at Cal:
Rivera said he chose to play football at California because it was close to home. It was only about 90 minutes from where he parents lived.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
Chase Young:
Ron Rivera is holding a Q&A with military families/Redskins fans. Someone asks if Rivera sees another Darrell Green out there. 'We have a pretty good one in Chase Young. As far as being a Darrell Green at his position," he's got a chance.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 20, 2020
Ron Rivera says that if Chase Young can stay healthy and continue to develop, he has a chance to become the Darrell Green of his position.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
Green's accolades: Hall of Famer, 7x Pro Bowler, NFL 100 All-Time team. #Redskins
Sustainable winning culture:
Rivera said his military background has taught him to focus on the ultimate goal and that it takes 3-5 to change the culture. Obviously, as an NFL team, the ultimate goal is to win Super Bowls. His other big goal is building a "sustainable winning culture."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
Rivera revisits his culture-change talk. Says it takes 3-5 years. He asks players how they can help. Those that say the ultimate goal is helping the team win, he covets. Others not buying in, no matter their reputation and status, aren't right for what he wants.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 20, 2020
To keep a happy locker room, Rivera said everyone must have a common goal. Also stressed the importance of everyone forming relationships with one another.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
Oh, and winning helps, too.
"The more you win, the easier life can be."
Do the little things better:
Love this mantra from #Redskins head coach Ron Rivera:
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
"Be where your feet are, and be the best you can while you're there."
Stressed the importance of living in the moment and making the most of every opportunity. #Redskins
Finding a home in the DMV:
Rivera said his family found a beautiful home in Great Falls, Virginia, and enjoys the DMV area as a whole. Said the family explored DC when Stephanie, his wife, coached for the Washington Mystics. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
Grow, get better, and improve:
Rivera's expectations for the #Redskins are "to grow, to get better and improve." Wants to play hard, fast physical football.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 20, 2020
Also mentioned that by December, he would love to see the #Redskins get on a roll.
Goals for December:
Rivera was asked what he wanted the Redskins to be in December. “On a roll,” he said. Pointed out success in that month in Carolina. Indeed, the Panthers were 25-14 in reg season games in Dec/Jan from 2011-18. That’s fifth best in the NFL during that time; @ESPNStatsInfo
— John Keim (@john_keim) May 20, 2020