Baltimore Colts legend Raymond Berry passed away at the age of 93. Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement on behalf of the team.
Baltimore Colts legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Raymond Berry has died at the age of 93, his family announced on Monday.
Berry spent his entire 13-year playing career (1955-67) with the Colts before moving on to coaching. From 1968 to 1992, Berry spent time in college and the NFL coaching, in positions ranging from wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach, to head coach.
The Colts released a statement from Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon on Monday morning:
"It is with very heavy hearts that we extend our condolences to the family of Colts legend Raymond Berry, who passed away last week. In NFL history, there are only a handful of players who we can say truly changed the sport. Raymond Berry is one of the few names on that list.
"As a player during a historic era of Colts football, Raymond redefined the standard for what a wide receiver could and should be. He set records, was selected to multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams, and retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in receiving yards and receptions. One of his most memorable moments came during the 1958 NFL Championship, when he had a career day on the field in the ‘Greatest Game Ever Played.’
"Simply put, not only was Raymond Berry one the greatest players in the history of the Colts, but he was one of the most influential and foundational players of the modern NFL.
"More than anything, Raymond was devoted to his faith and his family. We’re grateful his family was able to be with him at the end, and we hope they know Colts fans and all fans of the NFL share their sadness today."
Berry's list of accomplishments for his time period was difficult to rival. He held numerous Colts franchise receiving records, which he still ranks highly in today. He was also one of the NFL's most prolific pass-catchers and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1973.
He finished his career with 631 receptions for 9,275 yards (14.7 avg.) and 68 touchdowns.
As a head coach, his record was 48-39 (.552), including 3-2 (.600) in the postseason.
Berry is a two-time NFL champion, six-time All-Pro (three First-Team), six-time Pro Bowler. He led the NFL in receiving yards three times, receptions three times, and receiving touchdowns twice.
He is a member of the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, the Baltimore Ravens' Ring of Honor, and his jersey No. 82 is retired for the Indianapolis Colts.
He is a member of the New England Patriots' All-1980s Team as the head coach.
