Former Texas football player René Ramirez passes away at 85

Former Texas football player René Ramirez died of natural causes Tuesday at his home in McAllen, Texas, the Longhorns announced in a press release. He was 85.

Ramirez played at Texas from 1957-59 under coach Darrell Royal. A native of Hebbronville, Texas, he was one of Royal’s first recruits and would go on to be instrumental in helping kickstart the coach’s career in Austin.

Ramirez led the Longhorns in all-purpose yards (567) and touchdowns (5) as a sophomore in 1957. The next year he again tied for the team lead in touchdowns with five, three of which came in the season finale 27-0 win against Texas A&M. He was named an All-Southwest Conference selection during his senior season in 1959 as Texas went 9-1 and tied for the first SWC title of Royal’s career.

Ramirez also played on defense, where he recorded four career interceptions. Nicknamed the “Galloping Gaucho,” he was later inducted as a member of the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor in 2013.

“He was surrounded by people he loved, and until the day he died, everything was Hook ’em Horns, Hook ’em Horns,” his daughter, Teresa Castillo, said. “When he would have a good day, we’d sing him and play UT band songs, and he would just light up. I tell people that when we were little, we knew Texas Fight and The Eyes of Texas before we knew our ABCs. Ever since we could remember, that was always a part of our life, and he expected everyone to go to Texas. Half of us did, but all nine of (his children) have college degrees. I attribute that to my father because education was so important to him.

René Ramirez graduated from Texas in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He later went on to work in the insurance business in both Austin and his native Rio Grande Valley in addition to owning several businesses.

He was also committed to helping the community, founding the René Ramirez Youth Development Camp to help underprivileged kids from east Austin.

“He made a huge impact in so many ways, not just for Texas, but for other people throughout his life,” Castillo said. “His work ethic, his belief in God is just who he was. Just the way he treated people, his personality, he didn’t judge people. Everyone knew him and everyone liked him. With his personality, he would light up a room.”

The viewing for Ramirez is set to be held Friday from 2-9 p.m. at Del Angel Funeral Home with the rosary taking place at 7 p.m. The family requests that those who plan to bring flowers choose the colors burnt orange and white to honor Ramirez’s legacy at Texas.

The Catholic mass will then follow at 10 a.m. June 28 with the burial ceremony after that.

“We didn’t realize how popular my dad was when we were kids, but as we got older, we started understanding his impact and achievements and accomplishments and what he’s done over his life,” Castillo said. “He’s lived a wonderful, beautiful, fruitful life, and we’re really proud of him.”