Raymond Berry

Raymond Emmett Berry Jr. (February 27, 1933 – May 25, 2026) was an American professional football player and coach in the National Football League. He played split end for the Baltimore Colts from 1955 to 1967, then held several assistant coaching positions before serving as head coach of the New England Patriots from 1984 to 1989.

Berry caught very few passes in high school and college and was selected by the Colts in the 20th round of the 1954 NFL draft, considered a long shot to make the roster. Diminutive and unassuming, he made up for a lack of athleticism through rigorous practice and attention to detail, becoming known for his near-perfect technique.

With the Colts, Berry led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards three times and in receiving touchdowns twice, and was invited to six Pro Bowls. The Colts won consecutive NFL championships, including the 1958 NFL Championship Game—known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played"—in which Berry caught 12 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. He retired as the all-time NFL leader in both receptions and receiving yardage.

His rise from a 20th-round long shot to the Pro Football Hall of Fame has been touted as one of football's Cinderella stories.