| No. 37, 45 | |
| Born: | December 19, 1961 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Defensive back |
| College | Hawaii |
| NFL draft | 1985 / Round: 5 / Pick: 122 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1985 | Washington Redskins |
| 1987–1988 | Detroit Lions |
| Career stats | |
| |
Raphel Jerome Cherry (born December 19, 1961) is a former American football defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins and the Detroit Lions. He was drafted by Washington in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL Draft.[1] He played college football at the University of Hawaii.
In 1999, Cherry was convicted of first degree murder in the death of his wife. He was initially sentenced to life imprisonment,[2] but upon appeal of his conviction, his sentence was reduced to 30 years. Cherry became eligible for parole in 2019. He was released on parole in July 2023.[3][4]
Raphel Cherry | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 19, 1961 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Criminal status | Paroled |
| Spouse | Jerri Cherry (Deceased) |
| Children | 1 daughter |
| Conviction(s) | First degree murder |
| Criminal penalty | Life imprisonment; commuted to 30 years imprisonment |