Patrick Ramsey

Early life

Ramsey was born in Ruston, Louisiana and attended Ruston High School, where he was a two-year starter quarterback, and was also state champion in the javelin throw. His best friend was the son of Bert Jones, a Ruston native who had gone on to a distinguished career as an NFL quarterback, and the elder Jones became Ramsey's mentor.

College career

Ramsey attended Tulane University and had an outstanding collegiate career as a "scholar athlete", being named five times to the Conference USA Commissioner's honor roll, and was the National Football Foundation/College Football Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete of the Year, in 2001.

During Ramsey's 1999 season, he set 20 Tulane passing records, including single season records for passing yards, attempts, and completions. In that season he threw for 25 touchdowns, the second-most ever for a Tulane player. However, he was also prone to questionable decisions, throwing 24 interceptions. In 2000, he led the third-best passing offense in the nation. He also made the All-Conference USA second-team, leading the conference in most meaningful passing statistics. In his senior season in 2001 he started 11 games and threw for 22 touchdowns. He set a school record, having at least one touchdown pass in 31 consecutive games. Upon graduating, he had the top five passing games in school history. His career totals at Tulane were surpassed only (in various individual statistics, none overall) by Shaun King, Mike McKay, Roch Hontas, and Terrence Jones.

Ramsey graduated with degrees in accounting and finance.

Washington Redskins

Ramsey was drafted 32nd overall in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, to replace Tony Banks as quarterback. He was offered a substantial contract in spite of the fact that he had never proven he was capable of being successful at the NFL level. The Washington Redskins later regretted they didn't allow him to remain a holdout as he has found himself on the list of Washington Redskins' 10 biggest draft busts. [1] As a result of his holdout, he was tied to the goal post by other players and ice poured on his head.

However, there were early difficulties with Steve Spurrier's "fun 'n' gun" offense, and Ramsey often split games with other quarterbacks. The 2003 season, Ramsey's first full season as a starter was even more difficult. He was one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the NFL that year, which was also Spurrier's last season as head coach. In 2004, Joe Gibbs returned to coach the team after a prolonged absence; he originally traded for Mark Brunell as the starting quarterback (and then quickly signed him to a long term extension) but replaced him with Ramsey in November. A month later, Gibbs named Ramsey as the starting quarterback for the 2005 season.

In the Redskins' first game against the Chicago Bears, Ramsey suffered a minor neck injury after a clothesline hit by Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs. Gibbs demoted Ramsey to the role of Brunell's back-up for the second game versus the Dallas Cowboys. It was reported that Ramsey requested a trade from the Redskins, following announcement of his demotion. This report was later claimed to be false by Ramsey and the Redskins organization.

Patrick Ramsey vs. New Orleans Saints

On October 13th, 2002 the Washington Redskins hosted the team from Patrick Ramsey's home state, the New Orleans Saints. They dominated him that game causing four interceptions in a row. In addition, they caused seven sacks, a season high, suggesting his offensive line had a lack of motivation to block for him. It was suggested that the holdout probably played into it. Shortly after the debacle he was traded to the New York Jets. [2]

New York Jets

In March 2006, Ramsey was traded to the New York Jets for a 6th round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. After failing to earn the starting quarterback position from incumbent Chad Pennington, he was cut after the 2006 season. He only threw a single pass for the Jets.

Denver Broncos

Following the season, Ramsey signed with the Denver Broncos, serving as the backup to starter Jay Cutler. He was released in the beginning of free agency in March 2009.

Tennessee Titans

Ramsey signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans on April 3, 2009, serving as the third quarterback on the depth chart after Kerry Collins and Vince Young. He was released on October 3 when cornerback Cary Williams was activated from the practice squad.

Detroit Lions

Ramsey was signed by the Detroit Lions on December 26, 2009 after quarterback Matthew Stafford was placed on injured reserve.

New Orleans Saints

Ramsey signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints on July 28, 2010; he was projected to serve as a veteran backup for the Saints' starting quarterback, Drew Brees, filling the role vacated by Mark Brunell who was not re-signed after the 2009 season. On September 3, Ramsey was released as part of final cuts before the start of the 2010 NFL season, with Chase Daniel having won the backup spot.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Due to the Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterback injury problems in early 2010, Ramsey was brought on as a potential temporary backup for the team. He was released from the team shortly after on October 29, 2010.

Miami Dolphins

On November 15, 2010 it was reported that he was signed by the Miami Dolphins following injuries to Chad Pennington and Chad Henne. He was released on waivers November 30, 2010.

Minnesota Vikings

On December 15, 2010, Ramsey signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings but did not play any games that year and was not on the Vikings' 2011 roster.

The 50 Worst Quarterbacks in NFL History

Patrick Ramsey currently resides as number 22 in the 50 Worst Quarterbacks in NFL History list. ,ref. [3]

Personal life

Ramsey married his wife, Virginia, on April 13, 2002, the week before the 2002 NFL Draft. The couple has two daughters, Virginia Ellen and Jane. He and his wife had their third child in the fall of 2011, Carl.

Today Patrick Ramsey works as Operations Manager and partial owner of his father-in-law's construction company Lincoln Builders, Inc. and works daily in the corporate Ruston office.