Raymond Berry is a legendary American professional football player and coach who played as a split end for the Baltimore Colts from 1955 to 1967 before transitioning into a successful coaching career. Despite being selected in the 20th round of the 1954 NFL draft and considered a long shot to make the roster, Berry rose to become one of the most dominant receivers in NFL history. He made up for a lack of natural athleticism through rigorous practice, precise route running, and exceptional sure-handedness, forming a legendary passing duo with quarterback Johnny Unitas. During his playing career, Berry led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards three times, and in receiving touchdowns twice. He was a key contributor to the Colts' consecutive NFL championships, including the historic 1958 NFL Championship Game, often called 'The Greatest Game Ever Played,' where he caught 12 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. Following his retirement as a player, Berry transitioned to coaching, working with wide receivers for several collegiate and professional teams before serving as the head coach of the New England Patriots from 1984 to 1989, whom he led to Super Bowl XX. In recognition of his historic contributions to the sport, Berry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was named to both the NFL's 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams.
