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Former Raiders star receiver Cliff Branch was named a senior player finalist Tuesday for the Professional Football Hall of Fame.
One more step towards the Hall of Fame. #CliffToCanton
To learn more, visit https://t.co/wXUK7ZZimE pic.twitter.com/mOnMYn32dx
– Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 24, 2021
The senior committee appoints players whose careers ended at least 25 years ago. Branch will need at least 80% of the vote on the selection committee when it meets early next year before Super Bowl LVI.
Branch, who played 14 seasons in the 1970s and 1980s, is credited with helping stretch the pitch with his speed. He’s averaged 17.3 yards on 501 career receptions that totaled 8,685 yards. He also caught 67 touchdown passes.
Branch raised his play in the playoffs, averaging 17.7 yards per reception. He caught 73 passes for 1,289 yards and five touchdowns in 22 games, and was on three Super Bowl championship teams.
“Cliff Branch was a game-changer,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said on the congratulatory phone call from Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker. “Whether he catches the ball or not, safeties and everyone needs to be aware of him.”
.@PFHOFPrez has reached out to Raiders owner Mark Davis to advise him of Cliff Branch’s appointment as a senior runner-up in the class of 2022.# PFHOF22 | @Raiders pic.twitter.com/M8sGruSR9u
– Professional Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 24, 2021
Branch passed away on August 3, 2019 at the age of 71.
Dick Vermeil, who won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams and played in a title game with the Philadelphia Eagles, is the senior coaching candidate.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at [email protected]. To follow @ markanderson65 on Twitter.
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