Raiders’ Branch makes the grade for Hall of Fame

By The Associated Press

In contrast to a career where Cliff Branch was known for getting places in a hurry, the former Raiders wide receiver finally made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame 37 years after his last game and more than two years after his death.

Branch was one of eight so honored that will make up the Class of 2022. As the nominee of the Hall of Fame’s senior committee, Branch needed to receive 80% of the vote on a yes or no basis

Also elected was defensive lineman Richard Seymour, who played his last four seasons with the Raiders after starring for eight seasons with the New England Patriots.

Also in the Class of 2022 from the modern era were Green Bay safety LeRoy Butler, 49ers defensive tackle Bryant Young, New Orleans linebacker Sam Mills and Jacksonville tackle Tony Boselli. Dick Vermeil was selected in a separate ballot as a coach, and former official Art McNally as a contributor.

A member of all three Raiders Super Bowl championship teams, Branch caught 501 passes for 8,685 yards, a 17.3-yard average and 67 touchdowns. He played 14 seasons, all for the Raiders. A sprinter in college at Colorado, Branch was the prototype deep threat coveted by owner Al Davis. In 22 postseason games Branch had 73 receptions for 1,289 yards and five touchdowns. He retained that speed until the end of his career, catching a 99-yard touchdown pass against Washington from Jim Plunkett at age 35 in 1983.

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