American · Corpus Christi, Texas, USA · Born 27 February 1933Colts Hall of Fame receiver who formed a legendary partnership with Johnny Unitas, starring in the 1958 NFL Championship known as the 'Greatest Game Ever Played'.
Born on 27 February 1933, Raymond Berry overcame modest athletic gifts — poor eyesight and a lack of natural speed — through obsessive preparation, becoming a meticulous student of route-running and defensive back tendencies. He made the Baltimore Colts through sheer hard work in 1955 and formed one of the most celebrated quarterback-receiver partnerships in NFL history with Johnny Unitas. Berry led the NFL in receptions for three consecutive seasons and finished his 13-year career with a then-record 631 catches for 9,275 yards and 68 touchdowns. His legendary durability included fumbling the ball only once in his entire career. Berry's signature performance came in the 1958 NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants, widely regarded as the 'Greatest Game Ever Played' and a pivotal moment in the sport's rise to national popularity. In that contest, which went to the NFL's first-ever overtime, Berry caught 12 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown, including three consecutive clutch completions from Unitas that set up the game-tying field goal. Berry was a unanimous selection to the NFL's 50th Anniversary team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973. After retiring as a player, he went on to a notable coaching career, most prominently leading the New England Patriots to Super Bowl XX as head coach.
Forming a legendary partnership with Johnny Unitas and starring in the 1958 'Greatest Game Ever Played'
How They Played
Precise, technically obsessive route runner who overcame modest natural gifts through preparation
Lasting Impact
One of the most meticulous and technically gifted receivers in NFL history, later a notable head coach
American Athletes