One of the greatest players to ever wear the black and gold was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday night. That was of course Cliff Branch, who played two years at Colorado as a receiver from 1970-71.
In his 22-game college career, he had 36 receptions for a whopping 665 yards, but his talents really shined as a kickoff and punt returner. Branch had four kickoff return touchdowns in both of his seasons in Boulder and returned six career punts for a score.
The speedy receiver was then drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1972 and won three titles during his 14-year NFL career. Just over two years after he passed away in 2019, Branch is now the first former Buff to reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Also elected on Thursday was former Jacksonville Jaguars lineman Tony Boselli, who grew up in Boulder and played at Fairview High School. He did, however, play his college ball at USC.
Here’s how Colorado football Twitter reacted to Branch’s historic election:
Terrific to see the late Cliff Branch finally receive his deserved Hall of Fame recognition. A great Buff and a great pro. #GoBuffs
— Neill Woelk (@NeillWoelk) February 11, 2022
So awesome to see #cubuffs legend Cliff Branch get to the Hall of Fame https://t.co/bPTgTDrVVi
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) February 11, 2022
Wow….. about time
— William Bonnie (@WilliamBonnie2) February 11, 2022
Cliff Branch 🙌🦬
— 🦬 . 🦬 (@SportsLawBuff) February 11, 2022
Former CU Buff Cliff Branch part of the 2022 Hall of Fame class. https://t.co/iWQJHS7XLJ
— Michael Spencer (@MichaelCBS4) February 11, 2022
Congrats to Tony Boselli and Cliff Branch!
Both with Boulder ties (Boselli/Fairview HS and Branch/Former CU Buff!)
Wish Cliff Branch was around to see it—great former Raiders player
Boselli=all-time great tackle
Psyched for both of them! https://t.co/MPJUGrW67q
— Steven Perkins (@FlavorizeThis) February 11, 2022
Tony Boselli from Boulder and the late Cliff Branch played at CU in Boulder.
— Woody Paige (@woodypaige) February 11, 2022
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