By Darin 
How does a 20th-round draft pick with average speed become the greatest receiver of his era? Raymond Berry didn’t rely on raw athleticism; he relied on a scientific approach to the wide receiver position that had never been seen before. By perfecting 88 distinct releases and moves to shake defenders, he transformed himself into Johnny Unitas’s most trusted target and a foundational pillar of the Baltimore Colts dynasty. This is the story of the man who turned route running into a high art form.
Football Bio
February 28, 1933 – Corpus Christi, Texas – The great pass-catching end from Southern Methodist University, Raymond Berry, celebrates his birth. The Baltimore Colts chose him as a Futures pick in the twentieth round of the 1954 NFL Draft because he had only caught 33 passes at SMU.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame tells us that though Berry did not have blazing speed, he honed his craft so that, as he declared, he had 88 different moves to get open. Berry was quite the weapon when paired with Johnny Unitas with the Colts. Together after Unitas joined the team in 1956, this pair gave the Baltimore Colts one of the greatest QB-to-wideout tandems of all time. Three straight times, Raymond led the league in receptions and caught a then-record 631 passes for 9,275 yards and 68 touchdowns in his 13-year career. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Raymond Berry in 1973.
Conclusion
Raymond Berry’s career is a testament to the power of preparation and technical discipline. While others were faster, none were more precise. His legendary chemistry with Johnny Unitas set the gold standard for the modern passing game, proving that meticulous route running and reliable hands could dominate the league. Today, Berry remains an icon for any player who believes that hard work and attention to detail are the true keys to greatness on the gridiron.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1973.
- 2× NFL Champion: (1958, 1959) with the Baltimore Colts.
- 6× Pro Bowl Selection: (1958–1961, 1963, 1964).
- 3× First-team All-Pro: (1958, 1959, 1960).
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team: Named one of the greatest players in league history.
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team: Honored as a top-tier legend.
- 3× NFL Receptions Leader: (1958, 1959, 1960).
- NFL Receiving Yards Leader: (1959).
- NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader: (1958, 1959).
- Career Totals: 631 receptions, 9,275 yards, and 68 touchdowns.
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team: Recognized for his decade-long dominance.
