[Rummyfan]

In a less passing-friendly era, Berry formed a lethal connection with Unitas. Playing a 12-game schedule, Berry caught 74 passes for 1,298 yards in 1960. Only three other NFL players topped 50 receptions that season.

Astounding numbers for (1) a twelve game season and (2) in a run-first era.

Selected as a future choice by the Colts in the 20th round of the 1954 draft after catching only 33 passes in three seasons at SMU, Berry finished his NFL career in 1967 with a then-record 631 receptions for 9,275 yards, 68 touchdowns and -- a testament to his sure-handedness -- only one fumble.

And he was a 20th round draft pick... proving once again that nobody knows nothing.

Berry was Jerry Rice before Jerry Rice, and in an entirely different offensive era. RIP to one of the greats.

[Libloather]

[Alberta's Child]

Legend has it that Berry ran such precise routes that he and Johnny Unitas staged a demonstration for a reporter after practice one day. Berry ran ten consecutive slant patterns and Unitas completed nine of them … in the dark.

Supposedly, the two of them ended up arguing afterward about the one incomplete pass. Berry said Unitas overthrew the hall, and Unitas said Berry cut the route short. LOL.

[Starstruck]

Before Kansas City got a football team, the Baltimore Colts was the team I rooted for. Berry was one of those guys. RIP.

[Dr. Sivana]

I remember he was a very good coach for the Patriots as well.

[Mister Tee]

I grew up in Baltimore in the 50s and early 60s. I had two absolute heroes...Johnny Unitas and Brooks Robinson. I also had the pleasure of meeting Brooks on a few occasions and was amazed at how humble and accessible he was. My father attended the greatest NFL championship game against the New York Giants. He kept raving about Johnny U. and Raymond Berry and how they were unstoppable. On each side of the offensive line was Berry and Orr. Wonderful times that I will always cherish!

[Blueflag]

I wore his jersey number 82 when I played tight-end and wide-out. He was my football hero. IIRC, he recovered from a broken back to play pro football.

[sopo]

Guy who was closest to him for qualties of precision was Raiders’ Fred Biletnikov, though he was a flanker

[SuperLuminal]

When football was actually football...