MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Former Baltimore Colts wide receiver and New England Patriots head coach Raymond Emmett Berry died last Monday (May 25th) at his home in Murfreesboro. He was 93 years old.

Berry grew up in Texas as the son of a high school football coach and later played at Southern Methodist University. The Baltimore Colts selected him in the 20th round of the 1954 NFL draft. Despite lacking natural speed and playing through poor eyesight and a spinal condition, Berry played 13 seasons in the NFL. He engineered 88 different moves to shake defenders, wore custom sunglasses to combat field glare, and fashioned homemade sweatbands to keep his hands dry. Alongside quarterback Johnny Unitas, Berry won two NFL championships, led the league in catches three times, and retired in 1967 as the NFL's all-time leading receiver. 

After retiring as a player, Berry coached receivers for the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and the University of Arkansas. The New England Patriots hired him as head coach in 1984, and he led the team to Super Bowl XX the following season. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 1973.

Berry and his wife, Sally, relocated to Murfreesboro in 2004. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, three children, and nine grandchildren. Woodfin Memorial Chapel is handling the arrangements, and the family will hold a private service.