Derrick Ramsey’s amazing career spans championship football, athletics administration, business, and public service.
In 1975, Ramsey became the first African American starting quarterback in University of Kentucky history. The following year in 1976, he led the Wildcats to a share of the Southeastern Conference championship and a Peach Bowl victory in Kentucky’s first bowl appearance in 25 years. In 1977, Ramsey guided the Wildcats to a 10–1 record, including a 6-0 undefeated SEC season. For his efforts, he earned first-team All-SEC and third-team All-American honors.
Ramsey went on to a nine-year NFL career that included a Super Bowl championship with the Oakland Raiders and another Super Bowl appearance with the New England Patriots. His football accomplishments earned him induction into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame.
After professional football, Ramsey became a small-business owner, managing real estate and personal investment portfolios. He also earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
Returning to UK in 1994 as a community relations officer, Ramsey strengthened relationships between the university and Lexington’s African American community. In 1999, he became athletics director at Kentucky State University, where he improved facilities and established a program promoting academic excellence among student-athletes. His work included developing a 5,000-square-foot academic, fitness, and weight training center.
Ramsey entered state government in 2004 as deputy secretary of the Commerce Department under Gov. Ernie Fletcher. He oversaw a $50 million budget and participated in the delegation that helped bring the 2010 World Equestrian Games to Kentucky.
In 2008, he became athletics director at Coppin State University in Baltimore. During his seven-year tenure, student-athletes achieved a collective 3.0 grade point average while graduation rates increased.
Ramsey returned to Kentucky in December 2015 as secretary of the Labor Cabinet under Gov. Matt Bevin. In 2018, he was appointed secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. He also served a six-year term on the UK Board of Trustees, beginning in 2017.
His memoir, They Call Me Mr. Secretary, traces his journey from Hastings, Florida, to college and professional football and public service. It also explores the friendships, mentors, and experiences that shaped his life, including his longtime friendship with teammate Art Still and relationships with coach Fran Curci, John Madden, and Al Davis.
Sharing the podium with Ramsey today is Randy Brooks, who played running back for the Wildcats from 1976 to 1980. Brooks shared the backfield with Ramsey during Kentucky’s 1976 season and its 10–1 campaign in 1977.
In his final season in 1980, Brooks led Kentucky in rushing with 578 yards on 166 carries and caught 17 passes for 180 yards.
Over four playing seasons, Brooks accumulated 1,314 rushing yards and 365 receiving yards, contributing both in the backfield and on special teams throughout his Kentucky career.