Former Bears sent to the Super Bowl with plenty of fan support

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Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is dunked after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

This isn’t the first time Ron Rivera and Charles Tillman have reached the Super Bowl, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t soaking this one in like they’ve never been before.

The Panthers left today for Santa Clara and Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos. On his way to team facilities, the former 1985 Bears player and defensive coordinator was all but given a parade from Panthers fans.

After nearly getting fired last season, it looks safe to say Rivera has become a favorite in Carolina.

Thx 4 the great send off! My neighbors are great example of #PantherNation @CoachRiv2 @Panthers #SB50 #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/gTtHymiuIi — Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) January 31, 2016

That wasn’t the only support Panthers gave their team as they left for the West Coast. Tillman recorded the team’s bus ride, complete with nearly a stadium’s worth of fans lining the streets.

Thanks everyone! #keeppounding A video posted by Charles Tillman (@peanuttillman) on Jan 31, 2016 at 10:58am PST

Because of their Chicago connection, there will be more than a few Bears fans cheering on Tillman, Rivera and the Panthers.

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