Raymond Berry, a Hall of Fame wide receiver and one of the most successful head coaches in New England Patriots franchise history, has passed away at the age of 93. The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced his death on its website, marking the end of a storied career that spanned decades in both playing and coaching. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on February 27, 1933, Berry’s football journey began in high school under his father’s guidance. However, he did not start playing until his senior season. After attending Schreiner University, he completed his college career at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he caught just 33 passes over three seasons. His lack of production led to a late draft selection, as he was chosen 232nd overall in the 1954 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts in the 20th round. Despite his unremarkable college stats, Berry quickly proved his worth in the NFL. Berry’s professional career was defined by his exceptional receiving skills. After retiring following an injury-shortened 1967 season, he had been voted All-Pro three times and earned six Pro Bowl appearances. Over his career, he appeared in 154 regular season games, catching 631 passes for 9,275 yards—then the highest total in league history—and 68 touchdowns. His postseason performance was equally impressive, as a two-time Colts champion, he recorded 20 receptions for 284 yards and a touchdown in four playoff games. Following his playing days, Berry transitioned to coaching, initially working with the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Arkansas. In 1978, he joined the Patriots, where he began as a wide receivers coach under Chuck Fairbanks, Ron Erhardt, and Ron Meyer. When Meyer was dismissed in 1984, Berry took over as interim head coach.#new_england_patriots #san_francisco_49ers #baltimore_colts #pro_football_hall_of_fame #raymond_berry
Pro Football Hall of Famer Raymond Berry dies at 93 - CBS Baltimore Pro Football Hall of Famer Raymond Berry, a former Baltimore Colts player and New England Patriots head coach, has passed away at the age of 93, according to his family. Berry, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973, died at his home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, three children, and nine grandchildren. Hall of Fame President Jim Porter praised Berry’s dedication and character, stating, “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. There was no finer gentleman – a person who remained humble and grounded when others sought to thrust stardom upon him.” Berry’s playing career spanned 13 seasons with the Baltimore Colts from 1955 to 1967. During his time with the team, he earned six Pro Bowl selections and contributed to two NFL championship victories. He was a dominant receiver, leading the league in receptions in 1957, 1959, and 1960. By the end of his career, Berry retired as the NFL’s all-time receptions leader, a testament to his longevity and skill. After retiring as a player, Berry transitioned to coaching, joining the New England Patriots in 1978 as a receivers coach. When head coach Ron Meyer was fired in 1984, Berry took over as interim head coach. His first full season as head coach in 1985 marked a historic milestone for the franchise, as he led the Patriots to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. Despite a thrilling playoff run, the team fell to the Chicago Bears in a 46-10 defeat.#new_england_patriots #murfreeboro_tennessee #baltimore_colts #pro_football_hall_of_fame #raymond_berry
Hall of Fame Receiver and Coach Raymond Berry Dies at 93 Raymond Berry, a legendary NFL receiver and coach, passed away at the age of 93 on May 25, 2026, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, according to a statement released by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Berry, whose career as a receiver with the Baltimore Colts was defined by his reliable hands and partnership with quarterback Johnny Unitas, died peacefully at home surrounded by family. His death marked the end of an era for football fans who revered his contributions to the sport. Berry’s playing career spanned 13 seasons with the Colts, during which he became a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time league leader in receptions and receiving yards. He also led the NFL twice in touchdowns and was honored as a member of the NFL 100 all-time team. His No. 82 jersey was retired by the Colts, and he was inducted into the Baltimore Ravens’ Ring of Honor, reflecting his lasting impact on both franchises. The Colts’ owner, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, praised Berry as one of the greatest players in the team’s history and a foundational figure in the modern NFL. The Ravens similarly hailed him as a football icon, emphasizing his enduring influence on Baltimore sports and the league. Berry’s legacy extended beyond his playing days. After retiring as a player in 1967, he transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant for 14 seasons across NFL and college levels before becoming the head coach of the New England Patriots in 1984. His first season with the Patriots culminated in a historic Super Bowl XX appearance, where the team lost to the Chicago Bears. Patriots owner Robert Kraft recalled Berry’s leadership, noting that the Super Bowl run was the franchise’s greatest achievement at the time.#new_england_patriots #raymond_berry #johnny_unitas #baltimore_colts #pro_football_hall_of_fame
