NFL Hall of Famer Raymond Berry Speaks of His Love for Jesus and Israel
In football lore, it is the Greatest Game Ever Played. On December 28, 1958, in front of 64,185 freezing spectators who filled Yankee Stadium in New York City and another 45 million television viewers, the Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants 23–17 in the first sudden-death overtime game ever. The Colts’ wide receiver was 25-year-old Raymond Berry, who caught a record 12 passes forGet More Articles—Subscribe Today!
New Digital & Archive Subscription Options!
Digital Subscriptions are only $9.99/year. Digital + Archive Subscriptions are only $19.99/year.
First-time digital subscriber? Get a FREE, one-year trial at foi.org/digital!
Reading about Raymond Berry was a revelation to me . I was 13 years old when I watched “The Game” on Dec. 28, 1958. I can remember vividly getting on my knees with a little more than 2 minutes left in regulation , praying that somehow the Colts would somehow tie the game and force overtime . Then, John Unitas completed three passes to Raymond to get the Colts into field goal range with 7 seconds left in the game . The rest, of course, is history…
I am 74 years old now, but followed Raymond’s career . He had the best hands probably ever, and ran pass patters to the inch . Hearing of his faith inspires me to pursue the same quest he successfully attained .I would love to meet him or obtain some memorabilia , but that will probably never happen .
Thank you for this informative article. I too was a big fan of Raymond Berry. I always sensed that he was a believer in Christ. To know that he supports Israel is wonderful. To one of the best thank you Raymond Berry for the memories of your career. God Bless
Raymond Berry was my hero as a football player and to this day has influenced my life with Jesus, I wrote to him several different times in the prime of his career and each time he returned my letters. Twice, signing football cards I sent him along with pictures he had. I told him I wanted to be an NFL receiver when I grow up and asked him for tips. He sent me a thick blue covered binder and in the back of it, he said before you take the most important steps in life, make sure I have accepted God. I cherish these memoirs greatly. If there is anything I would love to do, it would be to meet him. God has meant so much in my life, and Raymond played a big role in this!
I believe it is fair to say that 2020 is a year we will never forget for a variety of reasons. Many of us have lost loved ones due to COVID-19 or other situations which were unexpected. This is a year of chaos to many, and great blessings to others. Regardless what challenges we face as humans the great news is that God has it all figured out! I took a few moments to read some of the highlights of Raymond Berry’s football career and his greatest gift among all, the Lord Jesus Christ. I am taking a moment to recall my own life; blessed in so many ways, and yet a challenging road. Thanks Raymond, for your inspiration as a young man. Some things never change. Although “Footprints” is not a Scriptural passage, it is indicative of my life. Thank you God, for carrying me down life’s path.