A former MAC Defensive Player of the Year who set Eastern Michigan's single-season sack record before reaching the NFL.
Jose Ramirez took an unusual route through junior college and Arizona before becoming a dominant pass rusher at Eastern Michigan. A sixth-round pick of the Buccaneers in 2023, he later spent time in the CFL before landing with the Philadelphia Eagles as a reserve/future signing.
Path to the league
Ramirez began his college career at Riverside City College and Arizona before transferring to Eastern Michigan, where he played from 2019 to 2022. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 196th overall.
Career highlights
Ramirez's standout 2022 season at Eastern Michigan produced 66 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and a school-record 12 sacks, earning him MAC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-MAC honors. He is of Dominican Republic descent.
2025 season recap
After limited action with Tampa Bay, Ramirez signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL in September 2025 and appeared in three games before being released in January 2026 to pursue NFL opportunities. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on January 15, 2026.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Jose Ramirez (gridiron football)
- CBS Sports: Jose Ramirez player page
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Linebacker
- Group
- defense
- College
- Eastern Michigan
- Hometown
- Lake Alfred, FL, USA
- Age
- 27
- Status
- active
