When Jack Ramsey began preparations to play against Kentucky in the 1952 Cotton Bowl, he went through a series of firsts. The young offensive guard for Texas Christian University (TCU) hailed from Fordyce, Arkansas and was playing in his first bowl game. He was also putting on his first suit.
“I was a country boy,” he recalled. “That was the first time anyone asked me to wear a suit.” While Ramsey’s Horned Frogs came up short in the game, the experience was something he would go on to treasure forever.
Originally recruited by fellow Fordyce native Bear Bryant to play at Kentucky, Ramsey ultimately chose TCU. Bryant didn’t let him forget it. “When it came time to receive our commemorative watches, Coach Bryant said I shouldn’t get mine,” laughed Ramsey. “I guess he was still sore that I chose TCU over Kentucky.” Fast forward several decades and Ramsey was able to watch another big bowl game this year. This one, however, was taken in from his couch. While the Horned Frogs ultimately didn’t win, he was still proud of his team. “It’s been a heckuva year for TCU,” he said.
Written by Jeff Bell
