"I just want to express my gratitude to you guys. You’ve helped me out and countless teammates out. I love you guys. You’re definitely on my heart when we’re playing on Saturdays."
Bryce Ramirez, inside linebacker for the Red Raiders, came to Texas Tech in an unconventional way. Originally from Missouri City, Texas, Ramirez wasn’t initially recruited by the Red Raiders. Instead, he arrived as a regular student and walked on to the football team.
In his second year at Tech, Ramirez earned a scholarship, solidifying his place on the team. But his path took a sudden turn when he suffered a severe leg injury during his first career start. What could have been a devastating setback became a testament to his determination. He recovered rapidly and returned to the field for the entire following season.
Everything changed for Ramirez when he earned a scholarship and began receiving support from the Matador Club, Texas Tech’s NIL collective. Through this organization, student-athletes receive compensation in exchange for community service, providing them the freedom to focus on their education and sport.
Ramirez recalls the struggles of balancing academics, athletics, and finances without the support of the Matador Club.
“Life was definitely more challenging then. I was fortunate to have parents I could lean on, but not everyone is that lucky,” he shared. Ramirez’s dad sent him a modest monthly allowance to cover expenses, a lifeline many other walk-ons don’t have to support themselves.
“My parents didn’t have to worry about paying for my college anymore, which is huge,” Ramirez said. “I used to live with my high school friends, which was cool but chaotic. Now, I have my own place and can get the rest I need to perform at my best.”
As Ramirez enters his fourth year at Texas Tech, his goals are simple but ambitious: stay healthy through fall camp and perform to the best of his ability each week.
“To the donors of the Matador Club, thank you,” he said. “You’ve allowed me to focus on my dreams without the financial stress. Your generosity has made a huge impact on my life and my teammates’ lives.”
From walk-on to scholarship athlete, Ramirez’s story highlights the impact of the Matador Club’s investment in student-athletes. And as he takes the field at the Jones this season, he does so with a full heart, grateful for those who believed in him and helped make his dreams a reality.
Are you interested in investing in the future of student-athletes? Support hundreds of Red Raiders just like Bryce when you donate to the Matador Club.