Former New England Patriots Head Coach and NFL Hall of Famer Raymond Berry Died at 93
He was the predecessor to the football team’s path to glory. He set a formerly misfortunate team on the path to winning in the NFL. But prior to becoming a professional football head coach he had his own personal football career as a wide receiver. He formed a partnership with quarterback Johnny Unitas on the Baltimore Colts. He was a hard worker on and off the field. So, we’re saddened to hear that former New England Patriots head coach and NFL Hall of Famer Raymond Berry has died at age 93.
Current New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement on Berry’s passing:
“Raymond Berry holds a special place in Patriots history,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “He led our franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance following a remarkable playoff run, a milestone that was the greatest achievement in team history at the time. I was fortunate to get to know Raymond over the years, and one of my fondest memories was spending time with him and his son, Mark, during a trip to Israel in 2015 with several fellow Pro Football Hall of Famers. He was every bit the gentleman people knew him to be; humble, faithful, kind and deeply respected by all who knew him. The entire Patriots family joins me in mourning Raymond’s passing and celebrating a life that left a lasting impact on our franchise and the National Football League. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Berry family and all who mourn his loss.”
Former New England Patriots Head Coach and NFL Hall of Famer Raymond Berry Died at 93
Barry retired as a wide receiver in 1967. He was the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (631) and receiving yards (9,275). Those stats earned him the honor of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973. But he really gained notoriety for what he did with the New England Patriots as the head coach. He reshaped the mentality of the team and turned them into a winning culture.
As pointed out by Patriots beat writer Mike Dussault, he led the Patriots in 1985 to an 11-5 record and a historic postseason run, becoming the first team in NFL history to win three road playoff games on the way to Super Bowl XX. It marked the franchise’s first AFC championship and first Super Bowl appearance. But how did he do it? “Raymond was a calming influence,” longtime assistant Dante Scarnecchia said. “He had huge respect among the players. They did everything he asked.”
He was the precursor to the New England Patriots dynasty of the first two decades of the 2000’s. Our condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren, rest in peace Raymond Berry.
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