The football world has been left in mourning following the death of two-time NFL champion Raymond Berry, who has passed away at the age of 93.
Berry, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973, played 13 seasons in the NFL before later becoming head coach of the New England Patriots in 1984.
His entire NFL career was spent with the Baltimore Colts. He led the league three times in catches and yards and twice in touchdowns during his playing career.
His death was confirmed by a statement, via the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Monday, which revealed he passed on May 25 while surrounded by family.
Hall of Fame president and CEO Jim Porter said in a statement: ‘People said Raymond Berry was not blessed with the size or speed of other receivers in the National Football League, but no one worked harder to refine his skills and master his craft.
‘The chemistry he developed with quarterback Johnny Unitas through hours of route-running thousands of repetitions in practice created a dynamic tandem that thought with one mind on game days.
Two-time NFL champion Raymond Berry has passed away at the age of 93
His death was confirmed by a statement, via the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Monday, which revealed he passed on May 25 while surrounded by family
‘Together they helped the Colts win consecutive titles in the late 1950s, including the classic 1958 NFL Championship Game that served as a springboard for professional football becoming this country’s most popular sport.’
After his playing career, Berry spent 14 seasons as an assistant coach at both NFL and college level, before eventually landing his role at the Patriots in 1984.
Just one season after joining, he led the team to Super Bowl XX, where they suffered defeat to the Chicago Bears. During six seasons, he produced a 48-39 record.
During his days as a split end on the football field, Berry is well remembered for his performance in ‘The Greatest Game Ever Played’; the 1985 NFL Championship game.
Berry caught 12 passes on the day for 178 yards and a touchdown as he helped lead the Colts to a 23-17 victory over the New York Giants, in the first sudden-death game in NFL history.
Berry was also three-time All-Pro, a member of the Hall of Fame’s All-1950s Team and a member of the NFL’s All-Time 75th and 100th Anniversary squads.
More to follow…
