Raymond Berry, the Baltimore Colts' legendary wide receiver who revolutionized the position alongside quarterback Johnny Unitas, died on May 25 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee at age 93. The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced his passing, honoring a player who retired in 1967 as pro football's all-time leading pass catcher with 631 receptions and 9,275 yards.

Berry's path to greatness defied expectations. Picked 232nd overall in the 1954 draft, he transformed from an undersized, slow receiver at SMU into a perfectionist craftsman. Despite poor eyesight and a bent pinkie, Berry developed 88 evasion techniques and strengthened his hands by squeezing Silly Putty. His meticulous work ethic produced three NFL receptions titles and six Pro Bowl appearances.

The 1958 championship game against the Giants cemented his legacy, catching 12 passes in what many call 'the greatest game ever played.' Berry and Unitas connected on three consecutive completions during the tying drive, then two more in overtime as the Colts won 23-17, a performance that helped establish pro football's national popularity.

After retiring, Berry coached in the NFL for over two decades, leading the New England Patriots to Super Bowl XX in 1986. His innovations included off-target drills and runner goggles, earning former coach Weeb Ewbank's praise that Berry's patterns were 'so minutely perfected that he was almost unstoppable.'