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Hall of Fame WR Raymond Berry, 93, dies

6/1/2026

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Summary

Raymond Berry Dies

Raymond Berry, Colts wide receiver, died at 93 on May 25 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, surrounded by family.
He played 13 Colts seasons, led the league three times in catches, yards and touchdowns, and posted 12 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown in the 1958 championship.
He retired in 1967 with 631 receptions, 9,275 yards and 68 touchdowns, coached the Patriots (1984-1989) to a 48-39 record and a Super Bowl XX appearance.

Summary

Berry Defies Odds

Berry overcame poor eyesight, a back brace and a leg-length discrepancy to become an NFL star.
A 20th-round pick in 1954, he rose to become league’s all-time leader in receptions and yards.
His early quarterback-wide receiver combo with Johnny Unitas, the Baltimore Colts quarterback, set a template for future passing offenses.
He fumbled only once in 13 seasons and was named to the NFL’s All-1950s, 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.

Summary

Berry Pushes Testing

He pushed for mandatory drug testing as Patriots head coach, facing strong union resistance.
He played in the televised 1958 championship, which helped ignite NFL popularity.
He coached receivers for the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns before leading the Patriots (1984-89).
A lifelong Christian who abstained from alcohol and tobacco, he backed treatment after teammate Gene Lipscomb’s death.

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Raymond Berry Dies

Raymond Berry, Colts wide receiver, died at 93 on May 25 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, surrounded by family.
He played 13 Colts seasons, led the league three times in catches, yards and touchdowns, and posted 12 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown in the 1958 championship.
He retired in 1967 with 631 receptions, 9,275 yards and 68 touchdowns, coached the Patriots (1984-1989) to a 48-39 record and a Super Bowl XX appearance.

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