This week in Mobile County history.
Clifford Branch Jr. passed away on August 3, 2019.
Clifford Branch Jr. (August 1, 1948 – August 3, 2019) was a professional football wide receiver known for his career with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. Branch, a key player in the Raiders’ victories in Super Bowl XI, XV, and XVIII, was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022. Born in Houston, Texas, Branch attended the University of Colorado, where he excelled in both football and track. Drafted by the Raiders in 1972, he amassed 501 receptions, 8,685 yards, and 67 touchdowns over 14 seasons. Branch set NFL playoff records for receptions and receiving yards during his career. His legacy as a fast, consistent player remains significant in NFL history. Branch passed away at age 71, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
