Former Patriots Head Coach Dies — NFL World Left In Shock
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
A former New England Patriots head coach passed away at the age of 93. He had a remarkable career as a player before making an immediate impact as a coach.
Raymond Berry, a former standout wide receiver, spent 13 years in the league as a player. He spent his entire career with the Baltimore Colts, retiring in 1967.
Drafted in the 20th round out of SMU in 1954, Berry turned into a superstar during his 13 seasons with the Colts. He hauled in a then-record 631 passes for 9,275 yards and 68 touchdowns, leading the league in receptions three times and earning six Pro Bowl nods. His chemistry with Johnny Unitas was legendary — the pair helped deliver two NFL championships, including the iconic 1958 “Greatest Game Ever Played” against the New York Giants.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973, Berry was also named to the All-1950s Team and the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary squads. After hanging up his cleats, he coached in the league, most notably leading the New England Patriots to the 1985 Super Bowl as head coach.
Berry didn’t just catch footballs — he helped redefine the wide receiver position with his precise route-running and relentless work ethic.
Former New England Patriots Coach Raymond Berry Dies At 93
It was the HOF that announced the tragic news. The organization issued a statement celebrating Berry’s contributions to the game.
“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.
“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.”
He led the New England Patriots to Super Bowl XX, where the iconic Chicago Bears mercilessly beat them.
The NFL has lost a true pioneer. Rest in peace, Raymond Berry.
