Oakland Raiders: 5 Of The Greatest Receivers In Team History
By Kevin Saito
Dec 27, 2013; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders former cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha poses at press conference to announce his retirement at Oakland Raiders Practice Facility. From left: Willie Brown and Mark Davis and Asomugha and Charles Woodson and Cliff Branch. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Number One: Cliff Branch
He wasn’t the prototypical receiver. But at 5’11” and just 170 lbs., Branch was one of the feistiest and most accomplished receivers in Raiders history. He never failed to fight for every single ball, going up with defensive backs taller and heavier than him, and more times than not, coming down with it.
Like Biletnikoff, Branch was a longtime Raider. Taken in the fourth round of the 1972 draft, Branch spent his entire career – 14 seasons – with the Raiders and left an indelible mark upon both the franchise and on the NFL as a whole.
As good as he was in the regular season, Branch seemed to be even better on the biggest stages. He caught passes in three different Super Bowls, and snagged touchdown receptions in two of them. Branch was named to Pro Bowl four different times and was named an All Pro three times as well.
With 8,685 yards on 501 receptions – good for an average of 17 yards per catch – and hauling in 67 touchdowns, Branch is one of Oakland’s most accomplished receivers. In an era where power running was emphasized more than aerial assaults, Branch stood out in a big way.
The fact that he is not in the Hall of Fame for all of his tremendous efforts is criminal. Absolutely criminal.