He played 10 seasons, from 1971 through 1980, with the Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers in the National Football League (NFL). Branch currently has the third most receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches in Raiders history. [2], In track, Branch set an NCAA championship meet record in the 100 meters with a time of 10.0 seconds at the 1972 NCAA championships semifinal in Eugene, Oregon. Cliff Branch during a game in 1976. . The honor for Branch comes just over three years after he died at age 71 of natural causes, marking the second time in recent years that a Raiders great got inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously. Fox News Flash top headlines for August 4. Trail Blazers. In the October 14 game against the San Diego Chargers, he caught his first touchdown pass, doing so on a pass from Ken Stabler in the 2717 win. at It can be present for years before the death. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Cliff Branch is being enshrined Saturday, but that's not enough for Raiders owner Mark Davis. Some think hes the biggest Hall of Fame snub of all time. [3][4] Sportswriters John Clayton and Peter Richmond both wrote on Tatum's NFL legacy. The son of the late Al Davis, Mark has not made it a secret that he loves to keep the Raider alumni close to the franchise. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "Stay alive so you can enjoy going to the Hall of Fame," Madden once told Branch, via the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. 2:30 am ET. Branch's NFL career started in 1972 when the Raiders made him a fourth-round pick in the NFL Draft. He was 71. Obituaries. Aug 29, 2020. All rights reserved. His body was found in a hotel room in Bullhead City, Arizona. . Cliff was a native of Houston, he caught 501 passes for more than 8,600 yards and 67 touchdowns. One day at a company picnic, it became evident . He led the league in receiving yards in 1974 and in receiving touchdowns in 1974 and 1976. Branch, wiry at 5 feet 11 and 170 pounds but remarkably durable, was one of professional footballs fastest players in his years with the Raiders, 1972 to 1985, first in Oakland, Calif., and later in Los Angeles. He was popularly known as "the Assassin" because of his playing style. He has died at the age of 72. "[12], The Oakland Raiders were one of the more resilient teams of the 1970s, and Tatum's leadership was a major contributor. Unfortunately for Branch, his quest to make it to the Hall of Fame didnt happen during his lifetime. Cliff Branch was born on August 1, 1948 and died on August 3, 2019. Cliff branch cause of death - Champ bailey - WR Cliff Branch, legend of Raiders, dies at 71 - Cliff Branch - how did cliff branch dieNAPA, Calif. - Cliff Branch, three-time All-Pro receiver and selected four times for the Oakland Raiders Pro Bowl, died Saturday in Arizona, the team announced.Branch turned 71 last Thursday.Cliff Branch impacted the lives of generations of Raiders fans. Branch scored 67 touchdowns through the air, leading the National Football League in touchdown receptions in 1974 with 13 and in 1976 with 12. The course of Boone's career took him from Kansas to Tennessee, Arkansas, and finally Oklahoma where he worked from 2014 until his death. A death often results from the combined effect of two or more conditions. Buy Raiders Tickets. [11], He had his last gasp of playoff play with the 1983 matchup against Pittsburgh, where he caught six passes for 76 yards in the 3810 win (Branch did not make any catches in his true last playoff game, a 137 loss to Seattle on December 22). 1&2." According to a statement released by his family, Robinson had lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, which he had battled for about a year before his . He caught at least 27 passes in seven of those years for at least 400 yards, with the 1980 season (44 catches, 858 yards, 7 touchdowns) being his last hit year. All Rights Reserved. [5] He graduated from Colorado in 1972.[1]. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our, Cliff Branch: Cause of death, wife Barbara, children Brent, Anthony and Melanie, sisters Elaine and Cheryl, Where to buy Atlanta Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson's Christmas cleats. Branch, who led the Raiders to three Super Bowl titles, died Saturday afternoon. Follow the Heavy Oakland Raiders page for the latest breaking news, rumors and content! Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "It was a test of my faith, the entire story. [4], Tatum died in Oakland on July 27, 2010, after a heart attack. The honor for Branch comes just over three years after he died at age 71 of natural causes, marking the second time in recent years that a Raiders great got . Wiki, Bio, Age, Boyfriend (Will Zalatoris), Who is Anastasia Pagonis? He was reported dead around 3 p.m. on August 3, 2019 at Bullhead City of Arizona urbs. Date of Death: August 3, 2019. Rajeeta Kochhar? The Raiders have not won a Super Bowl since. Hearing of Cliff Branch passing hurts. [7] In his 22 games as a receiver in the postseason, it was the first of three 100-yard games and it was the most catches he had in said game. According to a family member who reportedly was with him at the time, Edgar Garay was filming a video for TikTok. When Branch died unexpectedly of natural causes in August of 2019 at age 71, many Raiders, including quarterback Derek Carr, . A case can be made that Branch belongs there as well. I agree to receive the "Pick Six Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. He always had nothing but a smile on his face every time I saw and always said I reminded him of himself. Cliff Branch died on 3 August 2019, two days after his 71st birthday. 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. [20], He was a nominee to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and was a semifinalist in 2004 and 2010. He was a first-team All-Pro for three consecutive seasons from 1974-76. Aug 3, 2019. He was 71. He was a grandparent toBrentney and Courtni. Hed stretch the defense. The cause of . Branch is survived by his wife Barbara Branch, two sons- Brent and Anthony, daughter Melanie, and three siblings-sisters Cheryl and Elaine and brother Edwin. He spent his entire N.F.L. [5][7] Clayton wrote that Tatum was part of the reason why the Steelers-Raiders matchup was his most anticipated game of the season while starting his sports-writing career in Pittsburgh, and that Tatum hit like "no other safety in football". Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Los Gatos: Hundreds still without power as Black Road repair project finishes early, Jets Robert Saleh compares Derek Carr to Matthew Stafford, hypes veteran QBs elite mental makeup, Alameda County auction may leave one of Oaklands last pro teams without a home, Raiders give Derek Carr his freedom and a head start over other QBs in free agency, | Sports general assignment reporter/sports columnist. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Cliff Branch was the ultimate deep threat for the Raiders, he once said in an interview. She is best-known to have signed for International Anthem on which she released two solo albums. (The N.F.L. Its not hard to feel Davis pain in that statement. His loss leaves an eternal void for the Raiders Family, but his kindness and loving nature will be fondly remembered forever. He led the league in receiving yards in 1974 and in receiving touchdowns in 1974 and 1976. Although Branch won't be around to see it, he could be immortalized as soon as next year. Quick Biography Birth Date 8 March 1939 Birth Place Newark, New Jersey, United States Death Date 10 July 2019, Read More Jim Bouton Bio, Wiki, Age, Spouse, Death, Net WorthContinue, Ricardo Ciciliano Biography, Wiki Ricardo Ciciliano, also known as Ricardo Manuel Ciciliano Bustillo was a retired Colombian football midfielder, has died. Cliff was also a standout track athlete. MyNewsGH. All rights reserved. Branch meant a lot to many people, and his death has impacted many. Accurate cause-of-death information is important: To the public health community in evaluating and improving the health of all citizens, and Often to the family, now and in the future, and to the person settling the decedent's estate. In 1974, Branch led the NFL in both receiving yards (1,092) and receiving touchdowns (13). On October 2, 1983, Branch caught the longest pass by a Raider, as he caught a 99-yard pass from Jim Plunkett in the second quarter versus the Washington Redskins Former Raiders WR great Cliff Branch has passed away. [10][11] He finished his pro career with them, playing all 16 games that year, and recorded a career-high seven interceptions to finish with a career total of 37 interceptions with 736 return yards. . Former Raiders linebacker Phil Villapiano echoed that sentiment through the Twitter account of his daughter: Rest in peace to the best (wide) receiver that should be in the Hall of Fame., From my Dad and the rest of the Villapiano family Rest in Peace to the best wife receiver that should be in the Hall of Fame. Cause of death. Former Raiders WR Cliff Branch. Local police later revealed that Branch had died from natural causes. An article on the University of Colorado website said he lost his home in Santa Rosa, Calif., to wildfires in 2017 and had been planning to move to Las Vegas in anticipation of the Raiders move there for the 2020 season. On August 3, 2019, Branch was found dead in a hotel room in Arizona's Bullhead City. Tatum was also noted for his involvement in the Immaculate Reception play during a 1972 playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He became the first football star to receive this honour posthumously. This is my last track meet since I expect to sign a pro contract with the Oakland Raiders within the next two weeks. Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the only causes of death in the top 10 for which the total numbers have gone down between 2000 and 2019, by 16% (or 327 000 deaths) and by 21% (or 205 000 deaths) respectively. He was selected a high school All-American as a senior. Branch was born on Aug. 1, 1948, in Houston, Texas, where he starred in high school and at Wharton Junior College. Tatum was a first-team All-Big Ten in 1968, 1969 and 1970. Jaimie Branch's cause of death is still a secret to fans. He played in Major League Baseball as a pitcher for the New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves between 1962 and 1978. His body was found in a hotel room in Bullhead City, Arizona at about 3:40 p.m. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Rest In Peace, Buddy. #CliffBranch @Raiders pic.twitter.com/AGtcoVDu6b, VILLAPIANO (@VillapianOk) August 4, 2019. [4] A few weeks later, Tatum signed a three-year, six-figure contract with a $50,000 signing bonus. [3], The incident affected Tatum personally and for several years, according to close friend John Hicks, made him "somewhat of a recluse". To facilitate this goal, he created the Ohio-based Jack Tatum Fund for Youthful Diabetes, which finances diabetes research. This is often regarded as one of the biggest hits in Super Bowl history. [3] His kidneys started to fail in his final years, and he was awaiting a kidney transplant at the time of his death. Three years later, he got his . Age at Death: 71. "It's hard to articulate," he said. Branch, wiry at 5 feet 11 and 170 pounds but remarkably durable, was one of . Cliff Branch, a three-time All-Pro wide receiver who won three Super Bowls during his 14-year NFL career, all with the Oakland Raiders, has died, the team confirmed late Saturday. He also rushed 31 times for 385 yards in runs from scrimmage. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. He won three NFL championships with the Raiders in Super Bowl XI, XV and XVIII. On February 10, 2022, he was selected for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He went to the Pro Bowl while also being named First-team All-Pro, owing to him leading the league in yards, touchdowns, and yards per game as a receiver. [4][8] The National Football League took no disciplinary action for the tackle; however, the NFL would later tighten its rules on violent hits. record with a 99-yard touchdown catch in a regular-season game, gathering in a pass from Plunkett against the Redskins in Washington and outrunning their secondary. I just can't do it. According to police, his death was due to natural causes, based on an initial investigation report. As one of the greatest deep threats in NFL history, its only fitting that Branch holds the record for longest catch made by a Raider. "[9] Tatum never apologized for the style he played, stating that, "It's unrealistic. Number of deaths per year: 154,596 Percent of total deaths: 5.6 percent More common among: women; people over age 65; people with a history of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke He and Fred Biletnikoff formed a legendary duo in his early career catching passes from Ken Stabler. His cause of death was not immediately known, and the Raiders confirmed his passing in a tweet from owner Mark Davis. Just have to give my condolences to the family. Cliff Branchs Career Stats: 8,685 receiving yards, 67 receiving touchdowns, 501 receptions. 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No cause of death has been released. Davis had to cancel a trip to Las Vegas so that he can mourn properly, as Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal revealed. Cliffs on-field accomplishments are well documented and undeniably Hall of Fame worthy, but his friendship and smile are what the Raider Nation will always cherish.. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! He celebrated his birthday just two days earlier and moved into a hotel room in Arizona with some work. Biletnikoff, Tim Brown, James Lofton, Jerry Rice and Randy Moss have all donned the silver and black and are all in the Hall of Fame. Cliff Branch, one of the Raiders' career-leading receivers who won three Super Bowls, has died. RIP #21 #OnceARaiderAlwaysARaider, Kirk Morrison (@kirkmorrison) August 4, 2019. Cliff was my best friend. With him its not running, its flying, the Raiders owner Al Davis once said. Zalatoris is dating Caitlyn Sellers, but the couple has tried to maintain a low profile as his golf career has taken off. Avant-garde jazz trumpeter Jaimie Branch passed away at the age of 39 at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on August 22, 2022. In 2011, the Professional Football Researchers Association named Branch to the PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2011.[21]. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Branchs death comes on the day a new class is being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The referees ruled that Tatum had touched the ball and therefore Harris's touchdown was permitted, allowing the Steelers to win the game. Visit Raiders.com for more. Skip twitter post by 7 News Sydney There was an awkward collision as Stingley lowered his helmet to protect himself and hit Tatum's shoulder pad. Cliff Branch, a former standout wide receiver for the Oakland . Biography, Wiki, Age, Wife, Family, Death Cause, Ney Worth. He graduated in 1972 and became a fourth-round draft pick by the Raiders. By. Bullhead City Police Department in Arizona, celebrated its newest Hall of Fame members, gets in as one of the 10 senior committee nominees, Jerry Jones believes Cowboys can keep Zeke and Pollard, NFL combine measurements for DBs: Full list of results, Jerry Jones believes Prescott can progress like Brady, NFL combine 2023 results tracker: Top performances, NFL combine 2023: Winners and losers from DB workouts, Report: Pollard to get franchise tag if deal isn't done. Branchs sister, Elaine, was at the event to collect the honour. Death and Cause. The Raiders have lost a legend.. Former wide receiver Cliff Branch, who spent 14 seasons with the team, passed away on Saturday at the age of 71. Not only was he there, but he was also an important part of all three teams. [4] He also suffered from an arterial blockage that cost him his right leg; he used a prosthetic limb thereafter. (Inductees are chosen by a committee made up largely of news media representatives. For those 65 and older, the top causes of death are roughly the same as the top causes of death for the overall . He ended his career with 501 receptions, averaging 17.3 yards per catch as a target for three of the top quarterbacks of his era, Daryle Lamonica, Ken Stabler and Jim Plunkett. He first became known to college football observers as a sophomore when he helped limit All-American Leroy Keyes during a 130 upset against the Purdue Boilermakers during the early part of the 1968 season.[3]. [2] In 2001, Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel instituted the "Jack Tatum Hit of the Week Award", given to the player who had the most impressive defensive hit of the game. Branch teamed with Hall of Fame receiver Fred Biletnikoff to give the Raiders one of the most dynamic receiving duos in NFL history. Jenna West. or redistributed. RIP CLIFF BRANCH 21, Jacoby Ford (@JacobyFord12) August 4, 2019. He was 71. On August 24, 2021, Branch was posthumously selected as the seniors finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Davis was so close to Branch that back in 1980, he went to battle with his father to ensure that the wide receiver got a proper contract. NAPA, Calif. Cliff Branch, a CU Buffs great and one of the Raiders' career-leading wide receivers who won three Super Bowls in 14 seasons with the franchise, has died. Police in Bullhead City, Ariz., say Branch was found dead in a hotel room Saturday. He was 71. Cliff Branch died on 3 August 2019, two days after his 71st birthday. No specific cause was given. Part II Causes in Part II are other significant conditions contributing to the death, but not directly related to the disease or the condition causing it. February 10, 2022 7:07 pm PT. [8] He soon lost the entire leg below the knee because of the illness. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft, and with them earned a reputation as a fierce competitor and one of the hardest hitters ever to play the game. [10] In 1986, he again landed on the reserve list after suffering a pulled hamstring during the preseason.[10]. Branch attended college at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was a sprinter on the track team and a receiver on the football team. Davis has kept many players close and alumni like Mike Haynes and Lester Hayes were attendants at training camp recently. A sprinter at Colorado in addition to playing football, Branch struck fear into opposing defenses with his ability to get deep. Burton died in Sweden on September 27, 1986, when he was thrown out of a bus window after the driver lost control, and the vehicle then rolled over him. record for career receiving average is held by Homer Jones of the Giants and the Cleveland Browns, with 22.26.). He is also known for a hit he made against New England Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley in a 1978 preseason game, that paralyzed Stingley from the chest down. She was born with Stargardt disease and began losing her eyesight at a young age. If there is not an acceptable cause of death in Part I, an acceptable cause of death in Part II does According to the Bullhead City Police Department . pic.twitter.com/8hDixDnPcN. She went completely blind at age 14. He turned 71 on Thursday. Whenever you saw me you would always tell me how much you loved the way I played the game. Local police later revealed that Branch had died from natural causes. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Although his career got off to a slow start, Branch exploded on to the scene during his third season with the team. Market data provided by Factset. An Agile Workforces Best Desk Booking Software, Who is Yoel Roth? Cliff played on all three Raiders teams that won the Super Bowl, following 1976, 1980 and 1983 seasons. In the epidemiological framework of the Global Burden of Disease study each death has one specific cause. Frustrated in his Hall of Fame dreams he was a semifinalist for the honor in 2004 and 2010 Branch remained convinced that he was deserving of induction. Robinson's Cause of Death Was Lymphoma. In 2017, Branch lost his home and all his Raiders memorabilia as wild fires ravaged Santa Rosa. [1] Soon after the game, sportswriters started to compare him to Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus because of his hard-hitting skills, and he became the starting free safety in his rookie year. [2][4] Tatum became part owner of a restaurant in Pittsburg, California. Oakland Raiders' Cliff Branch is brought down by Denver Broncos' Bob after picking up nine yards on a pass from quarterback Ken Stabler during the first period of an NFL football game on Dec. 3 . Cliff Branch, one of the Raiders' career-leading receivers who won three Super Bowls, has died. The honor for Branch comes just over three years after he died at age 71 of natural causes, marking the second time in recent years that a Raiders great got inducted into the Hall of Fame .