In week 11 the Carolina Panthers play against the Washington Football Team. This will be a big reunion between Ron Rivera and his old employer, where he worked for almost nine years. The 59-year-old is looking forward to the reunion.

Munich/Charlotte – Washington football head coach Ron Rivera would probably have every reason to be disappointed or begrudging of the Carolina Panthers franchise. He was fired after nearly nine years there in 2019, and things haven’t been right with the Panthers since.

“There’s no reason to be resentful,” Rivera said during a media roundtable on Wednesday, though. “It was time from the Panthers’ perspective to go a different way.”

Rivera not only showed understanding, but also praised owner David Tepper: “When it came down to it, David treated me with great respect and great regard. He even gave me a chance to say goodbye to everyone later. That speaks well of him. “

Many old friends in Charlotte

During the press conference, Rivera even started reminiscing. “The only feeling I have is that I miss my old colleagues and friends here in Charlotte,” the head coach revealed. “But my wife Stephanie will take care of that. She’s going to greet everyone on our behalf, meanwhile I’m going to try to win a football game on this business trip,” Rivera continued.

The biggest old acquaintance will be quarterback Cam Newton. The 32-year-old signed with his old employer last week and is expected to be the starter against Washington, at least that’s what head coach Matt Rhule hinted at.

His former coach Rivera is happy about the reunion with Newton: “It’s a really cool thing that he’s coming back home and that he’s finishing what he started.” Newton contributed two touchdowns in the 34-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

“He’s just a great personality. A person I respect a lot both on and off the field,” the WFT coach praised his former No. 1 pick in the draft.

After Fitzpatrick injury: Rivera thought about Cam

As Rivera also revealed, he was probably thinking about signing Newton after Ryan Fitzpatrick’s injury in week one. The latter was shown the door by the New England Patriots after the preseason because he lost the quarterback duel to rookie Mac Jones. However, he famously decided against it.

“If I knew for sure we could replicate everything like we did there, I probably would have done it. But I knew it was a chance to go in a completely different direction,” the 59-year-old explained.

Meanwhile, Taylor Heinicke is the starter in Washington. He’ll also face his former team on Sunday, playing six games for the Panthers in 2018 (one touchdown, three interceptions). The return to Carolina, however, is probably more emotional for Head Coach Rivera, who even made it to the Super Bowl in 2015 together with Cam and the Panthers.

Who will win the duel is still completely open. But what we do know for sure: The duel will be emotional, both from Ron Rivera’s point of view and from Cam Newton’s.