Raphel Cherry

Raphel Cherry
No. 37, 45
Date of birth (1961-12-19) December 19, 1961 (age 62)
Place of birthLittle Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
Career information
Position(s)Defensive back
US collegeHawaii
NFL draft1985 / round: 5 / pick: 122
Career history
As player
1985Washington Redskins
1986San Francisco 49ers[1]
1987–1988Detroit Lions
Career stats

Raphel Jerome Cherry (born December 19, 1961) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins and the Detroit Lions. He was selected by Washington in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL draft.[2] 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,[3] 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.[4][5]

Raphel Cherry
Born (1961-12-19) December 19, 1961 (age 62)
Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
Criminal statusParoled
SpouseJerri Cherry (Deceased)
Children1 daughter
Conviction(s)First degree murder
Criminal penaltyLife imprisonment; commuted to 30 years imprisonment
  1. ^ Lions, 1988 Media Guide (PDF). p. 44. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  2. ^ "1985 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  3. ^ Raphel Cherry convicted of murdering wife
  4. ^ Raphel CHERRY v. STATE of Arkansas
  5. ^ "Arkansas DOC :: Parole Board". www.ark.org. Retrieved August 19, 2023.