Peyton Ramsey/ Quarterback / Northwestern
Ed Hunt: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Peyton Ramsey: I’m 6’2, 215-220 pounds and I haven’t run a 40 in a while. In high school, I was a 4.6-4.7 kind of guy.
Ed Hunt: Tell us about what it meant to play in the Big 10 Title game.
Peyton Ramsey: I was born and raised a Big 10 kid. I always wanted to play in the Big 10 title game. Walking into Lucas Oil stadium, it was a dream come true to play there even if there were no fans and it’s something I will carry with me for a long time.
Ed Hunt: Are you satisfied with your team’s performance?
Peyton Ramsey: I think anytime you sit back and self-scout, there are things that you could have done better. Our defense played better as the season went on. This team will continue to progress. I’m excited about out progress.
Ed Hunt: Are you satisfied with your performance?
Peyton Ramsey: Yeah. I think I got better as the year went on and there were plays that I wish I could go back and rerun that play, but I’m proud of how it all turned out.
Ed Hunt: What was it like to play for your HC Pat Fitzgerald?
Peyton Ramsey: Coach Fitz is one of the best coaches that I’ve had the opportunity to play for. He doesn’t get too high or too low. He treats us like we are pro athletes. He is a pro’s pro. I think that is why he creates a winning culture in the way he operates and does things.
Ed Hunt: What is it like being the quarterback of a Big 10 team and going to a prestigious school academically?
Peyton Ramsey: I think it’s a challenge. Academics are important, and they are the reason we get to play Big 10 football. And with football, the bar doesn’t lower. It’s an opportunity to grow and mature and take care of business.
Ed Hunt: Where are you currently training for the draft?
Peyton Ramsey: Right now, I’m back in Cincy with my parents, but I’m headed to Tampa in about a week.
Ed Hunt: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Peyton Ramsey: I played basketball.
Ed Hunt: What positions did you play in high school?
Peyton Ramsey: I just played quarterback. That was it.
Ed Hunt: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Peyton Ramsey: I had a bunch of MAC offers. I had Illinois, Cincinnati, Indiana, Boston College and Wake Forest.
Ed Hunt: Why did you choose Indiana out of high school?
Peyton Ramsey: I always wanted to play in the Big 10. I’m a Big 10 kid. I had a few options, Indiana and Illinois. During my time in Indiana, it seemed like an attractive experience. I got to play in front of my parents every week. There was a lot of other factors that went into my decision.
Ed Hunt: What made you transfer to Northwestern?
Peyton Ramsey:Without getting too into it, we had two really good QBs. Michael Penix Jr. and me. I think both us deserved an opportunity. I graduated and it felt like I needed a change of scenery. I trusted my gut and ran with it.
Ed Hunt: How would you sum up your career at Northwestern?
Peyton Ramsey: Short. It was a special six months. It was weird to say I was there for only six months. I think I learned to get better and lead. These six months has been as important to my career as any six months of my life.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?
Peyton Ramsey: I think the first thing is my preparation. The routine I have prepared for myself. The way I have anticipated throws because of my preparation. My footwork has improved as well. That’s one of my biggest strengths for sure.
Ed Hunt: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Peyton Ramsey: I think one of my biggest knocks is not having a very strong arm. I want to show that I can make the throws down the field. I want to continue to improve the under-center footwork and those are two points of emphasis that will improve.
Ed Hunt: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Peyton Ramsey: I would definitely say the Big 10 championship game. That was such a surreal moment. It didn’t satisfy me because we wanted to win that game, but it is something that I will take with me for a long time.
Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?
Peyton Ramsey: I’m a Bengals fan born and raised. Cincinnati kid!
Ed Hunt: Is there an NFL QB that you like to watch on film?
Peyton Ramsey: I love Russell Wilson. He is one of my favorite guys. He is phenomenal. He is an undersized guy, but I love watching him on film because of how special he is.
Ed Hunt: What underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
Peyton Ramsey: I could list the whole team. I would say first, RB Cam Porter. He’s going to be special. Bryce Kirtz. He plays receiver and is going to be a good player down the road.
Ed Hunt: Which secondary was your toughest matchup throughout your career?
Peyton Ramsey: There have been a lot of good teams. I think of Michigan teams. Both in 2017 and 2018, I think they had some good guys. They weren’t trying to do anything, but play man coverage and make you beat them.
Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a QB?
Peyton Ramsey: Leadership. 100%. The quarterback is the guy who is getting the praise or the criticism. Guys got be able to count on you.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
Peyton Ramsey: I enjoy the brotherhood and camaraderie. You spend so much time together and there is 100 or so guys on the team. That locker room is a sacred place.
Ed Hunt: How has this journey of perseverance made you stronger?
Peyton Ramsey: I think has taught me a lot about myself. I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel and if you keep pushing, things will happen. Anything worth having in this life is earned and just keep pushing.
Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?
Peyton Ramsey: As a college athlete, you don’t have a ton of time. I’m a big sports guy. Being outside and taking walks. Playing college sports, there isn’t a lot of time for other stuff.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Peyton Ramsey: I was an education major. I was a student teacher when I was in Bloomington. I think teachers are motivators and inspire people. I want to make a difference in the lives of young kids, and I don’t see myself getting away from that.
Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?
Peyton Ramsey: I think I’m an under the radar guy. If you met me anywhere, I rarely wear Northwestern stuff. It is unique for a Big 10 quarterback to lay low and be a normal person. I don’t think I do it on purpose, it is just the way that I am.
Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?
Peyton Ramsey: Compassionate, leader, loyal, respectful and competitive.
Ed Hunt: Who will win the Super Bowl and why?
Peyton Ramsey: I’ll tell you who I want to win the Super Bowl. I’m a Tom Brady guy through and through. I know everybody is saying it’s going to be the Chiefs versus Packers Super Bowl, but it’s going to come down to who can make plays. I’m praying that Tom Brady can do that.
