Raymond Berry was a force in what many call the greatest game ever played, helping the Baltimore Colts earn two NFL titles.The Hall of Fame wide receiver died on May 25 at the age of 93.The legend and the lore of what might be possible in football grew from the arm of quarterback Johnny Unitas connecting with Berry’s hands. Their performance in the 1958 NFL Championship game — a 23-17 overtime win for the Baltimore Colts — sent the popularity of the NFL on a rocket that has yet to slow down.| REMEMBRANCE: Hall of Fame wide receiver and former NFL head coach diesThe fact that Berry owned such a role in the launch remains shocking. A little-used receiver out of Southern Methodist University, the Colts took a chance on him in the 20th round of the 1954 Draft.Berry possessed neither the size nor speed of great players. But his hands were sublime, and the determination to hone his craft made up for any lack of athleticism.His NFL career spanned 13 seasons from 1955 to 1967 — all with the Baltimore Colts. A six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, Berry earned induction to the Hall of Fame in 1973.Berry went into coaching following his playing career, ultimately taking over as the head man for the New England Patriots halfway through the 1984 season.The next year — his first full season — Berry led the Pats to Super Bowl XX as the first Wild Card team to make it to the championship. Overall, he finished with a 51-41 record as a head coach in five and a half seasons.But the 1958 championship lives on as Berry’s greatest professional legacy with 12 catches, 178 yards and a touchdown. He and Unitas were on the absolute same wavelength as they, frankly, created the two-minute drill on the fly.He is forever a hero to Baltimore.The Baltimore Ravens issued a statement, offering condolences to Berry’s family, saying, in part: “Raymond Berry is a football icon. As one of the greatest wide receivers in league history, he routinely thrilled fans with his clutch playmaking, precise approach and unmatched work ethic. His impact on Baltimore sports and the NFL will endure forever.”

BALTIMORE —

Raymond Berry was a force in what many call the greatest game ever played, helping the Baltimore Colts earn two NFL titles.

The Hall of Fame wide receiver died on May 25 at the age of 93.

The legend and the lore of what might be possible in football grew from the arm of quarterback Johnny Unitas connecting with Berry’s hands. Their performance in the 1958 NFL Championship game — a 23-17 overtime win for the Baltimore Colts — sent the popularity of the NFL on a rocket that has yet to slow down.

| REMEMBRANCE: Hall of Fame wide receiver and former NFL head coach dies

The fact that Berry owned such a role in the launch remains shocking. A little-used receiver out of Southern Methodist University, the Colts took a chance on him in the 20th round of the 1954 Draft.

Berry possessed neither the size nor speed of great players. But his hands were sublime, and the determination to hone his craft made up for any lack of athleticism.

His NFL career spanned 13 seasons from 1955 to 1967 — all with the Baltimore Colts. A six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, Berry earned induction to the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Berry went into coaching following his playing career, ultimately taking over as the head man for the New England Patriots halfway through the 1984 season.

The next year — his first full season — Berry led the Pats to Super Bowl XX as the first Wild Card team to make it to the championship. Overall, he finished with a 51-41 record as a head coach in five and a half seasons.

But the 1958 championship lives on as Berry’s greatest professional legacy with 12 catches, 178 yards and a touchdown. He and Unitas were on the absolute same wavelength as they, frankly, created the two-minute drill on the fly.

He is forever a hero to Baltimore.

The Baltimore Ravens issued a statement, offering condolences to Berry’s family, saying, in part: “Raymond Berry is a football icon. As one of the greatest wide receivers in league history, he routinely thrilled fans with his clutch playmaking, precise approach and unmatched work ethic. His impact on Baltimore sports and the NFL will endure forever.”