Former Texas Tech offensive lineman and NFL veteran Manny Ramirez has joined the Red Raider football program as Director of Player Development, head coach Kliff Kingsbury announced Monday morning.
Ramirez, who retired from active NFL duty this summer after nine seasons, will serve as an academic liaison for the football staff where he will help develop life skills curriculum and coordinate all community service activities for the program.
Ramirez played in 83 games, including 65 starts, during his NFL career that spanned two different organizations – the Detroit Lions (2007-10, 2015) and the Denver Broncos (2011-14). He started in 43 games for the Broncos where he served as center under legendary quarterback Payton Manning.
The Broncos totaled 49 wins during Ramirez’ four seasons with the organization which featured four trips to the playoffs and an appearance in Super Bowl XLVIII in 2013. He returned to the Lions in 2015 where he played in all 16 games while making seven starts.
The Lions drafted Ramirez in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft after a stellar four-year career as a Red Raider (2003-06). His selection marked the first time a Red Raider offensive guard had been drafted since 1973 when Russell Ingram was taken by Atlanta.
Ramirez helped boost a Red Raider offense that regularly ranked among the best in college football during his four seasons in scarlet and black. He was an All-Big 12 second team honoree in 2005 and was twice named an honorable mention selection.
Ramirez’ final game in a Tech uniform was quite memorable as he was part of a Red Raider offense that overcame a 31-point deficit in the third quarter to top Minnesota in the 2006 Insight Bowl. It remains the largest comeback in bowl history.
Ramirez will be with the Red Raiders this Saturday when Tech opens the 2016 season with a 7 p.m. kickoff against Stephen F. Austin.
