Frank Ramos, Legendary Jets PR Director, Dies at 87: Remembering a Franchise Icon
Frank Ramos, the longtime public relations director for the New York Jets, has died at the age of 87. Ramos was a guiding force behind the Jets' public image from the era of Joe Namath and the team's iconic Super Bowl III triumph through the arrival of Bill Belichick at the dawn of the new millennium.
According to reports, Ramos' tenure with the Jets made him a central figure during some of the most memorable and tumultuous years in franchise history. He managed media relations during pivotal moments such as the guarantee and victory in Super Bowl III, the highs and lows of the Namath era, and the constantly shifting landscape of coaches and executives that defined the team's later decades.
- Ramos was the PR director during the Jets' stunning win in Super Bowl III in 1969, a game that remains one of the most famous upsets in NFL history.
- He worked with legendary figures including Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath and navigated transitions to new generations of players and coaches.
- His career spanned from the franchise's "golden days" through the turn of the century, witnessing the arrival of notable names like Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick.
Ramos was widely respected for his steady hand and professionalism in one of the NFL's largest media markets. The challenges of representing the Jets in the New York spotlight required both diplomacy and candor—a balancing act that Ramos handled for decades. His influence extended beyond the team, as he helped set standards for public relations across the league during a time when the NFL itself was coming of age as a national institution.
His career longevity and adaptability were especially notable, given the Jets' frequent coaching changes and fluctuating fortunes on the field. Through it all, Ramos was a constant, shaping the team's narrative and maintaining relationships with media, players, and staff alike.
Frank Ramos leaves behind a legacy defined by integrity and dedication to the craft of sports communications. His passing marks the end of an era for both the Jets and the NFL, as he was among the last direct links to the franchise's most storied moments.
Sources
- [1]ESPN NFL