CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has a new nickname that is catching on quickly.
Rivera got the nickname "Riverboat Ron" when he went for it on fourth-and-1 twice on the first series in a 35-10 victory over the Vikings on Oct. 13.
ESPN.com reported that Jim Kennedy, a graphic artist from Raleigh, posted a picture online showing Rivera dressed up as a riverboat gambler wearing dark sunglasses with the "Riverboat Ron" slogan on it with Bank of America Stadium in the background.
The image quickly went viral Monday after the Panthers beat the 49ers 10-9 Sunday afternoon.
Rivera's daughter, Courtney, posted the photo on her Instagram page and put it out on Twitter also.
The Panthers win over the 49ers extended the team's win streak to five games.
Rivera has been criticized in the past for not going for it on fourth down. Only one NFL coach has gone for it less than Rivera since 2011, ESPN.com reported.
That coach was former Panthers and current Broncos coach John Fox.