If 2019 Was it For Peyton Ramsey at IU, He Leaves Bloomington a Hoosier Football Hero
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Peyotn Ramsey (12) celebrates the winning score at Purdue with his teammates Image: Amanda Pavelka Hoosier Huddle
Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle
Earlier this week, Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey enter the NCAA Transfer Portal and while he can pull his name out of the portal at any time, odds are that Ramesy has played his last game as a Hoosier. If that is the case, he leaves a true Hoosier football hero. Batman said in The Dark Knight that “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” While Ramsey is not passing on to another plain, he very well be moving on to another college football team, and he unlike the vilified Batman at the end of A Dark Knight, leaves Indiana as a hero. He was not chased out of town, instead he leaves on his own accord.
Peyton Ramsey came into the 2019 season fighting for his job, and ultimately losing it to Michael Penix. As any competitor would, he took that news hard, but unlike many others in his position, he stuck around IU because these were his guys. It turned out that Ramsey became the hero Indiana football needed as Penix battled injuries all season and Ramsey stepped up to lead IU to eight wins and cement his legacy as one of the toughest, grittiest, easiest to root for quarterbacks in IU history. Oh yeah, statistically, he was pretty good as well. If Ramsey does not pull his name out of the portal, he will leave as one of the most productive quarterbacks in its long history. He accounted for 56 total touchdowns, finished fourth in IU history with 6,581 passing yards and is the career leader in completion percentage (66.5%). Ramsey leaves an impression on everyone who covered him. Here is how his time at IU will be remembered by the Hoosier Huddle writers:
Sammy Jacobs:
“Peyton Ramsey was the ultimate warrior for the Hoosiers. I was very critical of his physical limitations throwing the ball, but he made up for that with wits, hard work and heart. The Hoosiers do not have the year they had in 2019 if he had left when he lost the starting job in August. He was always an honest and engaging interview and his off-the-field work speaks for itself. Ramsey may not go on to the NFL, but because of his heart and determination he will be successful in whatever he chooses to do. I wish him the best of luck where ever he lands.”
T.J. Inman:
“Like others, I was frustrated by Peyton Ramsey's lack of arm strength and the limitations in his game that we saw during the 2017 and 2018 seasons under Mike DeBord. However, he showed tremendous heart, determination and fight during his time at Indiana and he improved immensely during the 2019 season. Without Ramsey, IU does not win eight games this past season. He was a joy to watch play and his passion and willingness to lay his body on the line for a victory and for his teammates was apparent. I was skeptical of his ability to lead a successful offense but he proved me wrong and I wish him the best of luck moving forward.”
Nathan Comp:
“Peyton will be leaving the Indiana program as one of the all-time statistical leaders among all quarterbacks to ever suit up for the Hoosiers. All of this came amidst a career that was riddled with criticism for not being good enough -- admittedly, even by myself. None of this negative energy phased him though, as he completely embraced the culture change brought along with the hiring of Tom Allen and repeatedly poured his heart and soul out on the field. Peyton, thank you for all of your contributions toward the turning the tide and flipping the script on Indiana football. You'll forever be remembered as a legend of the 2019 Indiana season, not only for your on-field performances but also for your positive attitude and commitment to serving the Bloomington community. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors; Hoosier Nation will be rooting for you!”
Evan McShane:
“Peyton Ramsey personified Indiana Hoosiers football in more ways than one. The gritty quarterback from Ohio achieved things at IU very few others have done despite his limitations; and he did it with persistence and perseverance anyone could admire. Ramsey's leadership paved the way for Indiana's eight-win season and he will always be a player Hoosier fans remember and root for.”
Amanda Pavelka:
“The epitome of a Hoosier. The definition of grit. The key to IU’s most successful season of my lifetime. Without Ramsey, IU might not have even had the opportunity to play in a bowl game. Thank you for an unforgettable 2019 season and your dedication to Indiana football the last four years.”
Andrew Walker:
“Peyton Ramsey, ultimately, is a spark plug. Ramsey was able to instill confidence, energy, and determination in the whole team. It might have been unfortunate (injuries to) Mike Penix Jr. that pushed him into the spotlight, but he made the most of it and more.”
It is very rare that an athlete gets to leave a place on their own terms and when it does happen, it’s is a beautiful ride out of town. Ramsey will leave IU as the conquering hero, instead of the ousted vigilante. Ramsey can still pull his name back from the transfer portal, but just incase he does not, Hoosier Nation is sending him off with well wishes.
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