CLIFF BRANCH
- A historical deep dive into how a world-class sprinter became one of the NFL’s most feared vertical threats and a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Clifford Branch Jr. was born on August 1, 1948, in Houston, Texas.
College Career
Branch’s athletic journey truly took flight at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was a dual-threat for the Buffaloes, shining as both a receiver on the football team and a world-class sprinter on the track. His blazing speed was undeniable; he set an NCAA championship meet record in the 100 meters with a time of 10.0 seconds in 1972. On the gridiron, he showcased a tantalizing preview of his future, compiling a combined 36 receptions for 685 yards and making a significant impact rushing the ball during his 1970 and 1971 seasons. [Source]
Road to the Pro Game
His game-breaking speed caught the attention of the professional ranks, leading the Oakland Raiders to select him in the fourth round (98th overall) of the 1972 NFL Draft. This selection paired the ultimate deep-threat receiver with a franchise that loved to stretch the field, setting the stage for a historic career. He spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders (1972–1985), later returning to the gridiron briefly for the Los Angeles Cobras in the Arena Football League in 1988.
Football Legacy
Branch left an indelible mark on NFL history by defining the vertical passing game of his era. He was a cornerstone of a dynamic Raiders offense that dominated the 1970s and 1980s, proving that raw speed, when paired with route-running precision, could dismantle any defense. He possessed a unique ability to track the deep ball, making him a nightmare for opposing secondaries. His postseason prowess was unmatched at the time of his retirement; he held the NFL playoff records for both receptions (73) and receiving yards (1,289) until they were eventually broken in the 1990s. Today, he is remembered not just as a pioneer of the modern wide receiver position, but as the ultimate Raider. [Raiders.com]
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
Branch’s resume is stacked with the highest honors the sport can offer, culminating in his long-awaited, posthumous induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
- 3× Super Bowl Champion (XI, XV, XVIII)
- 3× First-Team All-Pro (1974–1976)
- 4× Pro Bowl Selection (1974–1977)
- NFL Receiving Yards Leader (1974)
- 2× NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader (1974, 1976)
- Career Regular Season Stats: 501 receptions, 8,685 receiving yards (a stellar 17.3 yards per catch average), and 67 touchdowns.
