FRANKFORT — Republican Gov.-elect Matt Bevin reached back to the administration of the last Republican governor Wednesday, naming former University of Kentucky quarterback and NFL star Derrick Ramsey as Secretary of his Labor Cabinet.

Ramsey, 58, served Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher as Deputy Secretary of Commerce where he oversaw the cabinet’s budget and human resources department.

Ramsey was UK’s first African American quarterback and led his team to the Peach Bowl and the following year to a 10-1 record although that team was barred from playing in a bowl while on NCAA probation.

He went on to star as a tight end for the NFL’s Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders and played on the Raiders’ 1981 Super Bowl championship team. He later played for the New England Patriots as well. He has most recently worked as the athletic director at Coppin State University. Previously, Ramsey served as AD at Kentucky State University and before that as Director of Development and Community Relations at the University of Kentucky.

Bevin said Ramsey has known success in several areas, both athletic and in administration.

“His passion for excellence and his superior management skills will be critical to his success in his new role,” Bevin said in a press release announcing the appointment. “He will be a staunch advocate for Kentucky’s workers and an integral part of our team.”

It could be a tough assignment, too. Bevin is a staunch advocate for passage of a right-to-work law which would allow employees to decline to pay union wages at companies with collective bargaining agreements. Such laws are vigorously opposed by labor groups and unions.

Ramsey said he is excited to return to public service.

“I am honored to be chosen by Gov.-elect Bevin for this post,” Ramsey said in the press release. “I am excited to return to public service and help the Commonwealth of Kentucky become the greatest place to work and live.”

Ramsey holds an undergraduate degree in General Studies with an emphasis on communications from UK and a Master’s Degree from Eastern Kentucky University in Sports Administration.

He is a member of the Black Coaches Association and the National Football League Player’s Association.

RONNIE ELLIS writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com. Follow CNHI News Service stories on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cnhifrankfort.