Saving Superman
ESPN The Magazine|September 18, 2017

Ron Rivera’s plan to protect Cam Newton and return Carolina to the Super Bowl is simple: have him run less and distribute the ball more. But will his QB buy in?

David Fleming
Saving Superman

THERE’S A DEFINITE Monday-morning vibe going on inside coach Ron Rivera’s training camp office. The mustard-colored walls are blank. His desk is devoid of personal items, save for one small packet of Skittles. The only books on the long shelves behind his desk are the 2017 Panthers training camp guide and the playbook. And the one small window in the corner of the room is blotted by dark clouds and thick raindrops. Held captive by the storm, Rivera, dressed in a worn gray T-shirt that reads “Control Your APE (Attitude-Prep-Effort),” has agreed to share his thoughts and insights on a little plan he’s cooking up that will save his job, transform Carolina’s roster and protect Cam Newton’s body, brain and legacy.

The plan has already cost Rivera plenty. This offseason the team shelled out $55 million for free agent left tackle Matt Kalil (to protect Newton’s blind side); used early round draft picks on play makers (the eighth pick for Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey, the 40th for Ohio State speedster Curtis Samuel); and, in July, fired general manager Dave Gettleman, in part because of his failure to secure a contract extension for Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen, one of Newton’s favorite targets. But it’ll all be worth it if Rivera can get the 2015 NFL MVP to evolve into more of a pocket passer willing to distribute the ball to a few play makers other than himself.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 18, 2017 من ESPN The Magazine.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 18, 2017 من ESPN The Magazine.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من ESPN THE MAGAZINE مشاهدة الكل
The Rape Allegation Against Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Fame's Protective Shield
ESPN The Magazine

The Rape Allegation Against Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Fame's Protective Shield

To be the world’s most famous athlete means Cristiano Ronaldo can appear on screens everywhere yet somehow elude the fallout from a rape allegation.

time-read
8 mins  |
April 2019
Michelle Waterson Reps More Than Herself In The Cage
ESPN The Magazine

Michelle Waterson Reps More Than Herself In The Cage

MMA is a violent and unforgiving sport. But instead of shielding her young daughter from her career, Michelle Waterson is bringing her along every step of the way.

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 2019
Kyler Murray Owns His Future In A Way No Other Rookie Has
ESPN The Magazine

Kyler Murray Owns His Future In A Way No Other Rookie Has

As Kyler Murray decides which sport will win his talents, at least one thing is clear: He owns his future in a way no other rookie has.

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2019
Kyle Kuzma Turned A Sneaker Obsession Into A Legit Business Opportunity
ESPN The Magazine

Kyle Kuzma Turned A Sneaker Obsession Into A Legit Business Opportunity

No eight-figure shoe deal? No problem. The Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma walked his own path to sneaker supremacy.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2019
Bryce Harper Is One Very Big Deal
ESPN The Magazine

Bryce Harper Is One Very Big Deal

He’s baseball’s best-known face and now its richest player. In this exclusive interview, the All-Star talks rejecting $300 million, recruiting Mike Trout and becoming a Phillie for life.

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 2019
Kyler Murray - Will Past Be Prologue For The Possible Top NFL Draft Pick?
ESPN The Magazine

Kyler Murray - Will Past Be Prologue For The Possible Top NFL Draft Pick?

Sizable expectations? Kyler Murray’s got a few: go No. 1 in the draft, become a franchise player and—oh yeah— completely blow up decades of doctrine about short quarterbacks.

time-read
10+ mins  |
May 2019
Eternal Champions
ESPN The Magazine

Eternal Champions

Seven months ago, Brazilian underdogs Chapecoense boarded a plane to play in the game of their lives. Instead, their biggest moment turned into a tragedy no one can forget.

time-read
10+ mins  |
June 26, 2017
What's In A Name?
ESPN The Magazine

What's In A Name?

With the founder of Bikram yoga facing assault allegations, it seems simple: Studios should distance themselves from his name. But it’s not so easy.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 04, 2018
One Formula For Change
ESPN The Magazine

One Formula For Change

To inject excitement back into its races, Formula One needs more than a tweak or new twist—it needs to correct its course.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 04, 2018
All About The Goals
ESPN The Magazine

All About The Goals

U.S. national team hero and Chicago Red Stars defensive midfielder Julie Ertz shares her secrets for keeping her world-champion mindset.

time-read
1 min  |
June 04, 2018