Former college football standout and professional football player Santos Ramirez is in his second season on the Illinois football strength and conditioning staff. 

Ramirez retired from football in 2024 after three seasons in the XFL and UFL with the Seattle Dragons and DC Defenders. Ramirez totaled 93 tackles and two interceptions in 21 starts in pro football, following a five-year playing career at Arkansas.

Ramirez was a two-time team captain with 214 tackles and three interceptions at Arkansas from 2014-18. He was recruited by head coach Bret Bielema and played his first four seasons at Arkansas under the now-Illinois head coach. 

Ramirez is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. He was an all-state high school player at Evangel Christian Academy.

He is certified as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA).