Bob Berry (March 10, 1942 – April 19, 2023) led the most successful stretch of University of Oregon football in the Len Casanova era before playing eleven seasons in the NFL.
From 1962-1964 the Ducks' record was 21-8-2. In Berry’s junior season, the Ducks also featured running back Mel Renfro and defensive end Dave Wilcox, both future NFL stars. Bob threw for 1,675 yards and 16 touchdowns and the Ducks won their final four games including a 21-14 victory over SMU in the Sun Bowl. It was the Oregon's first bowl victory since 1916 and the school's last year as an independent. In 1964, Berry was voted first-team All-American, received votes for the Heisman Trophy and played in three post-season all-star games. The Ducks just missed out on a Rose Bowl berth due to a two-point loss to Stanford and a heart-breaking 7-6 defeat in the Civil War game. For his Oregon career, Berry threw for 4,297 yards.
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.
Released by the Vikings in 1968, Berry was picked by the Atlanta Falcons and was re-united with Coach Van Brocklin. Bob became the starter and 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 to Fran Tarkenton in Minnesota and was part of two teams that advanced to the Super bowl. In his eleven seasons, Berry threw for 9,197 yards and 64 touchdowns.
He ran several successful business ventures after retirement and became a skilled sailor.
Bob Berry was inducted to the University of Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1992 and has received the Distinguished Alumni award from UO.