Jonathan Ramirez Wasn’t the Same Without his Team
Jose Torres, number 22, and number 59, Jonathon Ramirez putting pressure on the defense during the Magnolia Game On a Friday night. Pc: @romvnshoots
September 14, 2019
After leaving the Godinez football team junior year for a job, Jonathan Ramirez missed the Friday night lights.
This season, Ramirez, now a senior made his return to varsity football as a starting offensive lineman and outside linebacker.
Ramirez first started playing football when he joined the Godinez football team as a freshman. Then his junior year he had got a job at 7-Eleven and thought it was too much of a commitment to be working and playing at the same time. So he decided to quit playing football.
I felt like I belonged on the field beside them
— Jonathan Ramirez
Although Ramirez was not playing, he would still attend most home games when his work schedule allowed him time off.
He would support his former teammates and while doing so he realized he missed the game. “Watching them play did not feel right, I felt like I belonged on the field beside them,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez found out a schedule that would fit and allow him to play and work at the same time. He returned to the team this summer with confidence. “I brought energy and commitment to the team. I am always hyping up my teammates and always trying to be a good role model,” said Ramirez.
Outside Linebacker Adrian Fernandez said, “Jonathan is a reliable player and he can play in any position that he is needed.” It is true, Number 59 has been having open switches to positions just for the team, which says a lot about a player.
For senior year Ramirez is working hard to help his team win league. His family is very supportive of him playing on the team. They attend most home games that they can and after the game, they take him to his favorite restaurant, Raising Canes.
Ramirez’s mother, Maria, said in Spanish (which has been translated for our readers), “We always take him out after games because no matter the results, he deserves it.” Ramirez’s mom continued, “I know my son works hard every day and he also works his job. I love my son and I’m always here to show support and love.”
Ramirez sees the support from each Grizzly at the games. As a key player, he wants the school to show love for the team at each game.
Safety Manuel Cruz said, “Jonathan increases the player’s spirit and aggressiveness on the field”. So far this season Ramirez and has been living up to his potential as the Godinez.
The football coaches have high expectations for Ramirez on and off the field.
“I expect the greatest out of Jonathan he is the leader of the unit. On the field, he makes plays always as a leader on and off the field that’s the reason his teammates look at him as a leader,” said Coach Luis Chavez.
The team’s next game is Friday, September 20, 7 p.m. at Segerstrom High School. They will be facing Rancho Alamitos High School.
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Michelle Avila • Sep 24, 2019 at 11:00 pm
Ramirez is a student in Godinez and also works at a job, this shows he is very hard working not just in school but outside. He’s a senior and I believe it must be difficult for him because he might be taking college classes and even more since he got back into the football team. He is a leader that all the players look up to him. Even his coach says he can play in any position that he is needed in. Ramirez is very committed to football and gets support from his parents which is honestly a very helpful part of them. One thing he asks if for is for the grizzlies to go show some support to the team when they have a game.
Jessica • Sep 23, 2019 at 12:52 pm
It’s very admiring that Jonathan returned to the football team and is able to play any positon. It shows his AVID about football. It also tells us that he has worked really hard. It’s surprising mostly coming from a senior because seniors unsually give up and think just because it’s their senior year they don’t have to do anything. But Jonathan didn’t use his senior years as a PRETEXT to not return to the football team. He searched for a schedule that would make football fit. He came back stronger than when he left, which shows us he is trying his best. We also see the support his parents give him is part of why he is working hard and being the best him there could be.
Andrew • Sep 23, 2019 at 12:46 pm
This article explains a lot about Jonathon Ramirez on how he felt watching from the stands and not being able to play because of his job. He is so AVID about football he found a solution on making his schedule work out with football and work. He was also able to adapt very FURITIVE to his new teammates and the style of play, Jonathan eventually became a starter. Jonathan has support from his family and teammates around him and he is known to be a leader in and outside of school and wants the best for everyone. I give Jonathan props because as a athlete I know the difficulties of keeping up with school work and practices and now imagine adding a job on the side which would make it even more difficult. Jonathan sounds like a good guy and athlete overall.
Daniel Morales • Sep 23, 2019 at 11:25 am
This article was very inspirational, demonstrating how a person can be eminent in life while doing multiple things at a time. He was still able to watch his friends play throughout junior year when he couldn’t play, meaning he was also a very supportive friends, learning from their loving family , who attends his weekly games. He was very adroit and can fabricate many plays, said his coaches and teammates, explaining how he is very committed, avid to football. He is still planning to enhance his skills and become a better person in general.
Ian Hermosillo • Sep 23, 2019 at 9:37 am
Johnathon Ramirez is a very VIGILANT player and he noticed that even though he had to attend to other responsibilities he needed to be on that field playing alongside his brothers. His PRETEXT of having a job did not stop him this year as he made it back on to the field and is currently doing amazing on the field and in the classroom. He is a very hard working person and knowing him personally I can really agree with the statements said here as I know how motivational he is to not only me but to the team in general. John is also a very loving person and he can always lighten the mood in the room by telling jokes even though he tends to take it to the next level sometimes. Overall Chika is a very hardworking person and has done a lot to be able to come back and regain leadership of the team.
Isabelle Mendoza • Sep 23, 2019 at 9:35 am
It seems as if Jonathan Ramirez STEEPED himself into the idea of being in love with the game, football. He is an AVID player when it comes to football. This is shown in his commitment to trying to make money, be on the team, have a job, and still be able to hassle school and grades with this. Coming back to the team, made him even more REPLETE with hunger for wins and season to come. The team did not INDISCRIMINATE, but welcome him back on the team. And they’re more than happy to have him back.