Frank Ramos, a foundational figure in New York Jets history and a titan behind the scenes, has passed away at the age of 87. The longtime public relations director, who served the franchise with unwavering dedication from 1963 to 2002, died Tuesday in hospice care in South Florida following a battle with pneumonia.
While Ramos may not have been a household name to casual fans, his influence was deeply felt across generations of Jets football. He was the steady hand behind the curtain, the voice guiding the team’s public image through decades of highs, lows, and everything in between. His passing marks the end of an era for the Jets - and for the NFL at large.
The Jets shared the news in a heartfelt statement, saying, “We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing of Frank Ramos, 87, who served as our head of Public Relations from 1963 to 2002. We send our love and support to the Ramos family.” NFL insider Adam Schefter echoed the sentiment, calling Ramos “a Jets legend.”
And that’s exactly what he was.
Ramos joined the organization in 1963, the same year the team rebranded from the New York Titans to the New York Jets. From that moment on, he became a constant presence through nearly four decades of franchise history. He worked under seven different owners, five general managers, 11 full-time head coaches, and two interim coaches - and he never missed a single game.
Let that sink in: 681 consecutive games. That includes 486 regular-season contests, 14 postseason matchups, and 181 preseason games. Rain or shine, win or lose, Ramos was there - the ultimate ironman in a role that rarely gets the spotlight but is critical to the lifeblood of an NFL organization.
He was on the sideline - figuratively and literally - when Joe Namath famously guaranteed and delivered the Jets’ lone Super Bowl title in 1969. He helped shape the team’s messaging through the AFL-NFL merger, the highs of playoff runs, and the valleys of rebuilding years. Through it all, Ramos was a trusted confidant to players, coaches, executives, and reporters alike.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell paid tribute to Ramos, calling him *“a trusted confidant of the players, coaches and executives - and he never missed a game. Frank was the consummate communications professional, always dispensing sound counsel with a kind touch.”
- Goodell added, *“Frank was a terrific friend and influence to those of us fortunate enough to be in his orbit, and he will be greatly missed.” *
Jets owner Woody Johnson and legendary quarterback Joe Namath also honored Ramos, reflecting on his professionalism, warmth, and enduring impact on the franchise. In 2024, Ramos was recognized with the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Award of Excellence - a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions to the sport were both significant and lasting.
At the time of his retirement in 2002, Ramos held the distinction of being the longest-tenured public relations official across all New York sports teams. That kind of longevity isn’t just rare - it’s almost unheard of in the modern sports world.
Frank Ramos didn’t just serve the Jets. He was the Jets, in so many ways.
He was there through the iconic moments and the quiet ones, the championship dreams and the rebuilding years. He helped tell the story of a franchise for nearly 40 years - and in doing so, became a part of its very fabric.
He’ll be remembered not just for his work, but for the way he did it: with grace, professionalism, and a deep love for the game and the people in it.
Rest in peace, Frank Ramos - a true Jets legend.