The centerpiece of the Carolina Panthers' latest fundraising campaign was designed by the guy who helped Greg Olsen's HeartestYard raise more than $62,000 last fall.
From the maker of 'Purrbacca,' now comes the 'Riverboat Ron — Safe Bet' T-shirt:
As Panthers coach Ron Rivera proudly strolled through the locker room on Monday showing off his new shirt, he made sure to share its purpose. Proceeds will go to the Humane Society of Charlotte, an organization Rivera and his wife Stephanie have been involved with for years.
Late last season, the Riveras brought the idea to Charlotte-based illustrator Joey Ellis, who came up with the design this summer.
"I think the Riverboat persona is funny," Ellis wrote via email. "Just imagining Coach living on an old smokey paddlewheel boat dealing cards and breaking up fights still makes me laugh."
And there's apparently more where the new shirt came from. According to Ellis, Riverboat Ron is just part of a project that also includes "The Rookie Handbook" designer Matt Stevens.
Perhaps there's an "Analytical Ron" on the way?
"I hope there is," Rivera said with a laugh. "One where he has a pencil in his ear, a slide rule, a compass, a protractor and all that good stuff."