The wait is finally over for Raiders legend Cliff Branch, as it was announced that he would be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The decades-long wait has finally ended, as Raiders legend Cliff Branch has finally been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Branch, who is a three-time Super Bowl champion is the latest among Raiders who have waited nearly a half century for the moment of a lifetime.
Cliff Branch joins his former quarterback Kenny Stabler as Raiders who were posthumously enshrined. Branch also joins his former coaches, John Madden and Tom Flores as well as a plethora of former teammates with whom he helped bring championships to the Silver and Black with.
Cliff Branch was a polarizing figure on the field, his blend of speed and amazing catching ability made him a formidable threat whenever he was on the gridiron. He would compete against some of the greatest defensive backs of all time and leave them in a cloud of dust time and time again.
Raiders legend was elite when it mattered the most
When the postseason would arrive, Branch became a different animal his1,289 career postseason receiving yards are 4th overall. In Branch’s 14 years in the NFL, he was a 3-time All-Pro for the Silver and Black.
Off the field, Branch was one of the kindest human beings around. Branch loved being a Raider and loved being adored by Raider Nation. Up until his passing Branch continued to surround himself by Raider Nation as he attended signings all over the country, and could always be found with an enormous smile on his face.
It could only be imagined the joy that Cliff would be experiencing as he is now in his rightful home of Canton, Ohio. Branch’s longtime friend and current owner of the Las Vegas Raiders Mark Davis said of Branch “He changed the game” and it was widely known throughout Cliff’s circle of family and friends that the faith to be enshrined was always there as not an “if” but as a “when”.
Please join me in congratulating Cliff Branch on his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it’s about time!