He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals ninth overall in the 2008 NFL draft and also played for the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills.

Then-University of Florida coach Ron Zook, noted for his recruiting ability, made a strong push, including talking to Rivers at 2 a.m. on National Signing Day in 2003.

[3] USC linebacker coach Ken Norton Jr nicknamed Rivers "the Shark" for his aggressive play on the field, juxtaposed to his polite demeanor off of it.

[5] Rivers was a 2007 preseason Sporting News, Street & Smith's, Lindy's, Phil Steele's, Blue Ribbon and NationalChamps.net All-American.

That action and the season-ending injury that resulted led to the NFL instituting the "Hines Ward Rule" [12] after the season, whereby it would henceforth be illegal for blockers to land a blindside block using their helmet, forearm or shoulder, to strike at the head or neck area of a defender.

[17] After retiring from football, Rivers delved in to the art world, deepening an interest that was sparked in high school.

Starting with his first purchase of a piece by Andy Warhol, his collection has expanded to include works by Barbara Kruger and John Baldessari and more contemporary artists like Rashid Johnson and Glenn Ligon.