The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released defensive lineman Jose Ramirez on Wednesday for him to pursue an opportunity in the NFL.
Jose Ramirez is six foot two and weighs 252 pounds. The 26-year-old from Lake Alfred, Florida, signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on September 24, 2025. In 2025, he made four tackles and one sack in three games.
The Philadelphia Stars drafted Ramirez in the sixth round (46th pick) of the 2023 USFL Draft. He was also drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round (196th pick) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Ramirez played four regular-season games for the Buccaneers. In 2024, he made eight tackles (5 solos, 3 assists) and three sacks in three preseason games.
In 2025, he made six tackles (3 solos, 3 assists) and one sack in three preseason games. The Buccaneers released him on August 26, 2025.
Collegiately, Ramirez started as a redshirt Freshman at Arizona in 2017. He did not play for the Wildcats. Next, he transferred to Riverside Community College in 2018 with 44 tackles (30 solos, 14 assists), 11 tackles for loss, eight sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 12 games for the Tigers.
Then, he transferred to Eastern Michigan University (2019-22) with 156 tackles (81 solos, 75 assists), 34 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, six forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 36 games for the Eagles.
Ramirez finished his EMU career as a Ring of Honor member. His 20.5 sacks placed him second all-time in EMU history. He was also named a two-time Third Team All-MAC (2020-21), First Team All-MAC in 2022, and the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
