Former teammates and friends mourned the loss of Gabriel Rivera, former Texas Tech football player, who fell ill on Friday before passing away Monday night. They called him the best defensive player the university has ever seen.
“He didn’t slack. He was working hard, running sprints or anything we had to do. He worked hard at it and became phenomenal player over the next four years,” said Ron Reeves, former Quarterback for the Red Raiders from 1978-1981.
Rivera also known as “Señor Sack,” quickly made a name for himself at the university, with his quick speed, large build, and athleticism.
“The coaches would come in there when we were in full pads and say, ok, it’s going to be a four aspirin day. We knew that meant we would have to do one on one drill with the defense, and that meant Gabe,” said Jim McIntire, a former offensive lineman for Texas Tech.
Rivera’s teammates remembered him as a leader in the community, but also a humble man.
“He was never one to force attention on himself. In fact, he probably shied away from it,” said Reeves.
In 1983, only six games into his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rivera was in a car accident, damaging his spine and paralyzing him.
“I’m sure there was self pity maybe early on, but he never complained. He always somehow managed to turn it into a positive,” said Rodney Allison, director of Double T Varsity Club and former Texas Tech quarterback.
Rivera’s record including 321 career tackle at the university, earned him many accolades including being named an all-American defensive tackle in 1982, being inducted into the 1993 Texas Tech Hall of Fame, and getting his name etched onto the walls of Jones AT&T stadium.
“I think he will probably be remembered as the most dominant player in Texas Tech history,” said McIntire.
Rivera left a lasting impression on the Red Raider community.
“You would wheel him around from his van to the gate and people would stop him. Senor sack and everyone knew who he was and everyone loved him,” said McIntire.
