It’s been 32 years since Cliff Branch’s first year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame. And it’s been 2.5 years since his unexpected passing at the age of 71. So, needless to say it’s been far too long of a wait for Branch to take his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But tonight he’s officially been named part of the Hall of Fame class of 2022.
Branch gets in via the Senior Committee. Just like Tom Flores, Ken Stabler, and Ray Guy before him. Also just like Stabler, his induction happens after his death.
There is never been a legitimate reason for Branch to not be in the Hall of Fame.
When Branch retired, he had three Super Bowl rings and was the all-time leader in postseason receiving yards. It wasn’t until some guy named Jerry Rice won a few Super Bowls to unseat Branch. He’s still fourth on the all-time list with all eligible receivers ahead of him already enshrined.
The speedy deep threat redefined the wide receiver position and his presence in the Raiders offense was vital to their high flying air attack. His former teammates know this. As Marcus Allen noted when I spoke with him last August.
“I think it’s almost criminal when you look at Cliff’s numbers,” said Allen of his Super Bowl XVIII teammate.
“Clearly a guy who changed the game. Changed coverages. Changed the way defense is played. Certainly opened up things for everybody else. . . There’s some people that just change the game. Like Bob Hayes changed the game. Cliff was one of those guys. And without Cliff Branch there’s no Freddy [Biletnikoff], there’s no Marcus, there’s no Todd Christensen, you know what I mean? Without Cliff.”
Now we can finally say the Hall of Fame won’t be without him either. As it should have always been.