Berry won two NFL championships with the Baltimore Colts and coached the New England Patriots.
WASHINGTON — Pro Football Hall of Famer and NFL coach Raymond Berry has died. He is 93 years old.
Berry was a two-time NFL champion with the Baltimore Colts before moving to Indianapolis and went on to coach the New England Patriots.
Berry passed away peacefully at his home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on Monday, May 25, surrounded by his family, his family said in a statement.
Known for his hard work ethic and determination, the Texan was considered one of the most reliable receivers in league history, rarely breaking a pass and only dropping the ball twice.
Berry’s career was The NFL describes it as “Surprising,” the organization said, “even more surprising considering how unlikely he is to make it to the NFL.”
Described as “thin,” “slow-footed and shambling,” he wore braces and special shoes due to a misaligned back, and by the time he was drafted by the Colts in 1954, he had caught just 33 catches in three seasons at Southern Methodist University.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame said in a statement Statement on his death He “just believes in preparation.”
“Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity,” Berry said. “One play could be the difference between winning or losing a game. I have to be prepared to create luck for myself.”
In 1967, Berry hung up his jersey and his career ended prematurely due to injury, but he simply walked off the field and walked to the sidelines, becoming a beloved coach who led multiple NFL teams to winning seasons.
Before becoming the head coach of the New England Patriots in 1984, Berry served as receivers coach with the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Patriots.
Notably, Berry led the New England Patriots to their first Super Bowl championship in 1986.
Berry was fired after the 1989 season, but he found a way to stay in the sport, serving as quarterbacks coach with the Lions in 1991 and the Denver Broncos in 1992.
In 1973, Berry was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
in a Statement from the New England Patriots, Berry was considered a “calming influence” who earned “huge respect from the players” and his teaching style was described as transformative for many players.
Berry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sally, three children and nine grandchildren.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
