Bob Berry  - Football

Bob Berry thrilled fans at Hayward Field as the second great quarterback for the University of Oregon, and played 11 years in the National Football League.

Born in 1942, Berry grew up in San Jose, Calif., and was recruited by Len Casanova to where he played three seasons on the varsity (1962-64). In Berry’s junior season, the Ducks also featured receiver Mel Renfro and tight end Dave Wilcox and played their way into the Sun Bowl, where they beat Southern Methodist 21-14. In 1964, Berry was voted first-team All-American, and played in both the East-West Shrine Game and Hula Bowl after guiding the Ducks to a 7-2-1 record. He threw for 4,297 yards in his three seasons at Oregon.

The Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) and Denver Broncos (AFL) both drafted Berry in 1964, prior to his senior season, but he began his pro career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1965. At Minnesota, he played under coach Norm Van Brocklin, who starred at quarterback at Oregon from 1946-48. In three seasons as a back-up in Minnesota, he attempted just 46 passes.

Van Brocklin moved to Atlanta in 1968 and Berry moved with him as the starting quarterback. In Atlanta, Berry threw for 1,000 yards or more for five consecutive seasons and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1969 despite playing in just seven of 14 games. He finished his career with three seasons as the back-up in Minnesota. In 11 seasons, he threw for 9,197 yards and 64 touchdowns.

He became a realtor following his playing career.

Berry was inducted to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and the University of Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.