Cliff Branch
Inducted:
2022
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
170 lb (77 kg)
Born:
August 1, 1948
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Died:
August 3, 2019
Bullhead City, Arizona, U.S.
Position:
Wide receiver
College:
Wharton County (1968–1969)
Colorado (1970–1971)
Cliff Branch was a game-changing wide receiver known for his blazing speed, deep-play ability, and clutch postseason performances with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders.
Drafted in the 4th round of the 1972 NFL Draft from the University of Colorado, Branch spent his entire 14-season NFL career (1972–1985) with the Raiders.
A three-time Super Bowl champion (XI, XV, XVIII), he was instrumental in stretching defenses and redefining the vertical passing game. Branch recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in three different seasons and led the league in receiving touchdowns twice (1974, 1976).
Despite often being overlooked for individual honors, his impact was undeniable—especially in the postseason, where he ranks among the Raiders' all-time leaders in playoff receptions and touchdowns.
In 2022, Branch was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his place among football's greatest.
Branch's Awards and Honors
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2022)
- Raiders All-Time Playoff Leader in Receptions and Receiving Yards at Retirement
- First player with a 99-yard TD catch in the postseason (1977 vs. Colts)
NFL Records
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XI, XV, XVIII)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1974–1976)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1974–1977)
- NFL receiving yards leader (1974)
- 2× NFL receiving touchdowns leader (1974, 1976)
- Second-team All-Big Eight (1971)
NFL Teams
Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders (1972–1985)
NFL draft:
1972: 4th round, 98th pick
Numbers Worn:
21
NFL Records:
Seasons Played:
14 (1972–1985)
Games Played:
183
Receptions:
501
Receiving Yards:
8,685
Yards per Reception:
17.3
Receiving Touchdowns:
67
Playoff Receptions:
73
Playoff Receiving Yards:
1,289
Playoff TDs:
5
Super Bowls Won:
3 (XI, XV, XVIII)