Oct 22 – Derrick Ramsey, University of Kentucky Football Team Reunion

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.

ROTARY IN REVIEW
Fifty Years Later: Championship Memories, Lifelong Bonds

Much has changed in college football since Kentucky’s 1976 SEC and Peach Bowl championship season. But 50 years later, one thing is clear: the bonds among teammates remain strong—and the friendly ribbing continues.

At our October 22 meeting, quarterback Derrick Ramsey, center David Hopewell, and running back Randy Brooks joined moderator and fellow Rotarian Jeff Piecoro, for a spirited look back at that special team.

Opening with good-natured teasing, Jeff emphasized the significance of Kentucky’s first bowl invitation in 25 years, earned when postseason opportunities were far fewer than today.

The conversation turned to the 1974 recruiting class, which Ramsey called “the greatest in UK football history.” That class formed the foundation of the 1976 championship team, which sent 11 players to the NFL. Ramsey recalled that he and high school teammate Art Still were the class’s final signees. They chose Kentucky after Michigan coach Bo Schembechler reversed his decision to let Ramsey play both football and basketball for the Wolverines but agreed to release him from his commitment if he attended a school outside the Big Ten.

For Hopewell, from Talladega, Alabama, the road to Kentucky included a family connection to former Governor Happy Chandler. When Chandler discovered that his next-door neighbor was Hopewell’s aunt, he urged her to get her nephew—a Wildcat recruit—on the phone. A subsequent visit convinced Hopewell that Kentucky was right for him.

Brooks remembered arriving with confidence in his speed, strength and ability. He joked that his greatest obstacle was convincing Ramsey to give him the football. Ramsey highlighted Brooks’ blocking and receiving skills, which he considered stronger than those of UK great Sonny Collins, who had finished his Kentucky career the previous year.

Recollections of the Penn State and North Carolina games brought stories of difficult opponents, muddy fields, cold weather, and Kentucky’s determination to prove itself. The Penn State game was pure revenge for Ramsey, who was heavily recruited by the Nittany Lions, but told that he “would never play quarterback” by coach Joe Paterno. With Ramsey at quarterback for the Wildcats, Kentucky won 22-6.

Brooks talked about the challenges of playing North Carolina in the Peach Bowl, and blocking another freshman, Lawrence Taylor, who is widely considered the greatest outside linebacker to ever play the game. Kentucky beat the favored Tar Heels 21-0.

Their affection for Coach Fran Curci was unmistakable. Ramsey acknowledged that being benched early in his career was difficult, but reviewing film helped him recognize why the decision was necessary. He credited Curci’s patient instruction and preparation with helping him grow and said he remains in regular contact with his former coach.

The program offered more than a look back at a championship season. It was a reminder that the people who share our greatest challenges and triumphs can remain part of our lives long after the final whistle blows.

— Chris Aldridge | Photo by Bill Straus