DALLAS (FWAA) – Texas Tech’s Bryce Ramirez is this week’s nominee for the 2023 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. Ramirez, a senior linebacker, has recovered from a compound leg fracture suffered last year to play in all six games for the Red Raiders this season.
“After I got injured, my brain expanded with football knowledge,” Ramirez told reporters in Lubbock in August. “I’m able to play a lot faster than I was before the injury. So it’s honestly more of a blessing than a curse.”
Ramirez was injured in his first career start last year at NC State, and he remained on the field for roughly 10 minutes before being transported to a hospital in Raleigh. He stayed there for five nights, undergoing two surgeries before returning to Lubbock.
The Missouri City, Texas native was in Jones AT&T Stadium the following week to support his teammates in a win over Texas.
Head coach Joey McGuire presented Ramirez with the program’s coveted No. 3 jersey in May, as that number represents “The Brand,” which is the Red Raiders’ daily goal to be the “toughest, hardest-working, most-competitive team in the country.”
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Ramirez was back on the field at the start of camp this summer. He has eight tackles so far this season for the 3-3 Red Raiders.
A former walk-on who was placed on scholarship prior to the 2021 season, Ramirez has 15 career tackles.
The Courage Award was first presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in 2002. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship. The winner of the award will be included in festivities during Capital One Orange Bowl week and receive his trophy at an on-field presentation.
Previous winners of the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award are Oregon tight end Cam McCormick (2022), the University of Utah football Team (2021), Arkansas State analyst Alex Charlton (2020), Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson (2019), SUNY Cortland linebacker Kyle Richard (2018), Wisconsin safety D'Cota Dixon (2017), Pitt running back James Conner (2016), Miami offensive lineman Hunter Knighton (2015), Duke offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson (2014), San Jose State defensive lineman Anthony Larceval (2013), Clemson wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez (2012), Michigan State offensive lineman Arthur Ray Jr. (2011), Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand (2010), the University of Connecticut football team (2009), Tulsa's Wilson Holloway (2008), Navy's Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson's Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis' Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State's Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo's William Bratton (2002).008), Navy's Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson's Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis' Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State's Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo's William Bratton (2002).
About Orange Bowl
Orange Bowl is a 404-member, primarily-volunteer non-profit sports organization that promotes and serves the South Florida community. With its primary mission since being created in 1935 to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and events, it has also maintained a legacy of charitable contributions and community outreach. Orange Bowl’s community outreach is embodied by the four pillars of its Orange Bowl Cares program: Youth Sports, Education, Community Engagement and Legacy Programs. Orange Bowl features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the 2023 Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 30. For more information on the 2023 Orange Bowl events, including promotional inquiries and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program, log on to orangebowl.org or follow @OrangeBowl on social media.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.
To submit a nomination for the Capital One Orange Bowl Courage Award, contact Matt Fortuna at matt.fortuna@gmail.com.