Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 3, 2026

Ron Rivers

Ron Rivers is an American former professional football player who was a running back for six seasons with the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Rivers played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs, rushing for 3,473 yards and 28 touchdowns in three seasons, with an average of over 6 yards per carry. He also caught 56 passes for 558 yards and another touchdown, and returned 19 kickoffs for 357 yards. Rivers went on to play six seasons in the NFL, recording 1,490 all-purpose yards and 4 touchdowns.

Last revised
Jul 3, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
330 w
Citations
5
Source
Ron Rivers
No. 34, 20
PositionRunning back
Personal information
Born (1971-11-13) November 13, 1971
Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
Listed height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Listed weight205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High schoolSan Gorgonio
CollegeFresno State
NFL draft1994: undrafted
Career history
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Awards and highlights
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards749
Rushing average4.3
Rushing touchdowns3
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Ron Rivers (born November 13, 1971) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for six seasons with the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL).2 Rivers played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs, rushing for 3,473 yards and 28 touchdowns in three seasons, with an average of over 6 yards per carry. He also caught 56 passes for 558 yards and another touchdown, and returned 19 kickoffs for 357 yards.3 Rivers went on to play six seasons in the NFL, recording 1,490 all-purpose yards and 4 touchdowns.

Rivers' son, Ronnie Rivers, also attended California State University, Fresno, where he broke his father's school record for touchdowns (52) and recorded 5,028 all-purpose yards. After going undrafted in 2022, Ronnie Rivers signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals.4

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 7+78 in
(1.72 m)
203 lb
(92 kg)
27+78 in
(0.71 m)
9+12 in
(0.24 m)
4.68 s 1.58 s 2.68 s 4.20 s 29.5 in
(0.75 m)
8 ft 9 in
(2.67 m)
20 reps
All values from NFL Combine5
References

References