Oakland Raiders: The Franchise’s All Time Starting Team

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

Wide Receiver – Cliff Branch

If there was one thing Al Davis loved, it was speed. He collected speedy wide receivers like some people collect baseball cards. And if there was one thing that Branch was, he was the kind of speedster that Davis coveted. Branch was a standout sprinter at the University of Colorado at Boulder, setting a number of records during his collegiate career.

But it was on the football field where Branch really shined. Taken in the fourth round of the 1974 draft, Branch went on to become one of the most prolific pass catchers in Raiders history. Over his fourteen year career in Silver and Black, Branch was a four time Pro Bowl selection, a four time first team All Pro, and a three time Super Bowl champion.

Branch’s 501 receptions for 8,685 yards still ranks third all time in Raiders history. His 402 points scored rank him eighth on Oakland’s all time scoring list – the fourth highest non-kicker.

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