CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera was on hand at the Charlotte Curling Association on Friday, as he and his family learned about the game.

The former NFL linebacker, turned coach knows about being an athlete and learned a lot about what curlers can do on the ice.

"I tell you what, I got a tremendous amount of respect for these athletes, and I do mean athletes.  When you come out here and get onto the ice, you realize you have to use your body.  Your entire body.  Whether you are shooting the stone, or the one sweeping the ice, it is very difficult.  It's a lot of fun.  There's a lot of technique to it, a little strategy, but it was fun," he said.

The Curling Association is hosting two events this weekend. A juniors clinic Saturday and community open house at its headquarters on Statesville Boulevard.