RIP Cliff Branch

[Hate 20,104]

He was one of the iconic football players of my youth.  I loved Cliff Branch.  I loved that he has "stickem" all over his socks.  It seems a shame that he isn't in the HOF. 

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/08/03/cliff-branch-death-raiders-wide-receiver

 

Legendary Raiders wide reciever Cliff Branch has died at the age of 71, the Raiders confirmed in a statement on Saturday.

"Cliff Branch touched the lives of generations of Raiders fans. His loss leaves an eternal void for the Raiders Family, but his kindness and loving nature will be fondly remembered forever," the team said. "Cliff's on-field accomplishments are well documented and undeniably Hall of Fame worthy, but his friendship and smile are what the Raider Nation will always cherish."

Raiders owner Mark Davis also tweeted the message "Cliff was my best friend. I will miss him dearly," from the team's account.

Branch played for the Raiders for 14 seasons and won Super Bowls XI, XV and XVIII with the franchise. His two touchdown receptions in Super Bowl XV helped the Raiders upset the Eagles in a 27–10 victory.

Branch finished his career with 501 catches for 8,685 yards and 68 touchdowns. He was named to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1974-77 and led the league in receiving yards (1,092) in '74.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced this week that it will induct a 2020 "Centennial Class" with 20 individuals to be enshrined. The class will include 10 senior inductees, and Branch has been discussed as a possible candidate.

 

[Chopper 17,173]

bummer...wow I can't believe he was 71.

 

[66BUFF 2,557]

Should be in the hall.  He was a great Buff.

[deadshank 24,651]

He was the first football player I recall to have the term "world class speed" associated with his name; as per Howard Cosell. 

Im old. 

[The Dude 1,244]

Damnit. RIP Cliff

[66BUFF 2,557]

37 minutes ago, deadshank said:

He was the first football player I recall to have the term "world class speed" associated with his name; as per Howard Cosell. 

Im old. 

Still holds the 100 meter record at CU

[realgreggym 835]

Didn't he play high school in Houston?

[66BUFF 2,557]

1 hour ago, realgreggym said:

Didn't he play high school in Houston?

Worthing

[SaintAugustine 11]

I was seven and hawking peanuts in the stands at CU and the whole stadium would  just go still when he went back to field a punts.  He made me forget Roman Gabriel as my hero/number and lead me to become a very poor 100/WR guy.  RIP.

[realgreggym 835]

23 minutes ago, 66BUFF said:

Worthing

Thanks. RIP

[mulletpelini 5,210]

as a kid I played a lot of receiver and my dad would always tell me before each game, "play like Cliff Branch today".  Big part of my childhood/dad.  RIP

[Underdog 28,460]

Him and Fred were a hell of a tandem. 

 

Also heard that former NFL Ref Red Cashion passed away.  

[Bullneck 19,027]

On 8/4/2019 at 9:58 AM, Hate said:

He was one of the iconic football players of my youth.  I loved Cliff Branch.  I loved that he has "stickem" all over his socks.  It seems a shame that he isn't in the HOF. 

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/08/03/cliff-branch-death-raiders-wide-receiver

 

Legendary Raiders wide reciever Cliff Branch has died at the age of 71, the Raiders confirmed in a statement on Saturday.

"Cliff Branch touched the lives of generations of Raiders fans. His loss leaves an eternal void for the Raiders Family, but his kindness and loving nature will be fondly remembered forever," the team said. "Cliff's on-field accomplishments are well documented and undeniably Hall of Fame worthy, but his friendship and smile are what the Raider Nation will always cherish."

Raiders owner Mark Davis also tweeted the message "Cliff was my best friend. I will miss him dearly," from the team's account.

Branch played for the Raiders for 14 seasons and won Super Bowls XI, XV and XVIII with the franchise. His two touchdown receptions in Super Bowl XV helped the Raiders upset the Eagles in a 27–10 victory.

Branch finished his career with 501 catches for 8,685 yards and 68 touchdowns. He was named to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1974-77 and led the league in receiving yards (1,092) in '74.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced this week that it will induct a 2020 "Centennial Class" with 20 individuals to be enshrined. The class will include 10 senior inductees, and Branch has been discussed as a possible candidate.

 

Same here.  I am shocked to hear he's not in the HoF.  

[RomaVicta 29,812]

In a track meet back in the 60s my older brother beat Branch out of the blocks and led for about 30 or 40 yards. Of course, the next 60 yards was a different story.

RIP Cliff Branch. The man could run.

[Saint Tacky 1,610]

I grew up a die-hard Raider fan as a kid and Cliff Branch will always be one of my favorite players from that era.  He could always be counted on to rise to the level of the game. Thank God the Oilers sucked so bad in the early 70s.  

Also, I never associated Branch with Stickum.  I recall that was more of a Lester Hayes and Fred Biletnikoff thing.

RIP, 21