Branch graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1972 where he was a 5-year letterman in football. During his time at Colorado, Cliff set the NCAADivision 1-A record for kickoffs returned for touchdowns with 8. Branch was selected in the fourth round of the 1972 NFL Draft with the 98th overall pick by the Oakland Raiders.
Cliff was voted a First team All-Pro in four consecutive seasons (1974–1977) and had 46 receptions in 1976 for 1,111 yards and 12 TDs, averaging 24.2 yards per catch. During this time, Branch was also named to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1974–1977. In 1974, Branch led the National Football League in both receiving yards (1,092) and receiving touchdowns (13). During the 1983 season, Branch set the Raiders franchise record for the longest TD reception (99 yards), on a pass from Jim Plunkett.
Branch finished his 14 NFL seasons with 501 receptions for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns. He also rushed for 70 yards and returned 9 kickoffs for 191 yards.
Later years[]
Branch's NFL career ended after the 1985 season. He played for the Los Angeles Cobras of the Arena Football League in 1988, their only season of existence. Branch holds the distinction of being the only wide receiver to be a part of all three Raiders winning Super Bowl teams, those being the 1976, 1980, and 1983 teams. Branch is a nominee to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and was a semifinalist in 2004 and 2010.
Records[]
NCAADivision I-A record for kickoff returns for touchdowns (8, t-1st)
Oakland Raiders franchise record for longest reception (99 yards from Jim Plunkett, 1983)
