After signing on the eve of Saints' training camp, Patrick Ramsey looks to compete for the backup quarterback spot behind Drew Brees. The Ruston native is back playing football in Louisiana after spending the past eight NFL seasons on five different teams, primarily the Washington Redskins. Ramsey is no newcomer when it comes to playing quarterback in New Orleans as he played college football at Tulane University. Since entering the NFL in 2002 as the 32nd pick in the draft, Ramsey has 24 starts.
Ramsey spoke with NewOrleansSaints.com to talk about his return to Louisiana, Tulane, and the city of New Orleans.
Being from Louisiana, and going to college in Louisiana, how does it feel to be back playing football here in New Orleans?It's exciting to be close to home and to be able to do what you like to do. There is not a lot more that you can ask for.
What is like being in the same city as your Alma Mater (Tulane University)?What's great about it is that I have familiarity with the area. At least I am not learning a city while learning an offense and the guys on the team. I have some friends and support here. It's definitely comforting to know that I have some friends here and that I have been here before.
What do you think about Tulane's recent struggles?I hope they can turn it around, I really do. I got to meet Coach (Bob) Toledo this past spring and he seems like a great guy. I hope they can turn it around.
While you were playing for other NFL teams, did you retain residency in New Orleans? In Louisiana?I didn't in New Orleans, but I did in northern Louisiana, in Ruston. I came through here quite a bit. I would say that the answer is, almost.
What is it like facing this complex defense every day during practice? It is definitely challenging for me. I have seen a lot of looks while learning a new offense. But at the same time, it will help me in the end and I will know this offense better.
What is like coming in to a very successful offense one year after the team wins a Super Bowl?No rest for the weary on this one. I'm going to spend as much time as I can preparing. I'm trying to learn everything that's going on out here, and learn from it.
How does the Saints' training camp different than other training camps you have attended in your career?It's intense. It's tough. At the same time, I am glad that I am getting a lot of time out here to run this offense.
What is your favorite thing about New Orleans? What draws you back?The people are great. That's the easy thing to say. The people and being close to home. I think that it's just the state of Louisiana, without a doubt.
How much more affected were you by the hardships faced by the gulf coast and New Orleans in the recent past?I have been paying close attention to it. Being in Ruston, we haven't been as affected by the oil spill and hurricane Katrina in comparison to New Orleans. We did what we could to help some people that were affected by the hurricane. We try to support the area as much as possible because it is near and dear to our hearts.
