He is survived by his son Brent. The receiver also caught 73 postseason passes, which ranks as the 10th highest total of all-time. career with the team. Branch was Davis' best friend up until Branch's death in August 2019. He and Fred Biletnikoff formed a legendary duo in his early career catching passes from Ken Stabler. Cliff was born on 1st August 1948 and died on 3rd august 2019 at the age of 71. Entire organization in mourning. Owner Al Davis' campaign for Branch to make the Hall of Fame preceded his death in 2011. Subscribe to NFL Films: goo.gl/XJTggL Start your free trial of NFL Game Pass: nfl.com/gamepass?campaign=sp-nf-gd-ot-yt-3000342 Check out our other channels: NFL Network youtube.com/nflnetwork NFL youtube.com/nfl Watch NFL Now: nfl.com/now Listen to NFL podcasts: nfl.com/podcasts Watch the NFL network: nflnonline.nfl.com/ Download, #7 Cliff Branch | Top 10 Raiders All Time | NFL Films, Cliff Branch may have been one of the most underrated Raiders of all time. 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 . Trail Blazers. [1] Upon hearing of his death, Tressel said, "We have lost one of our greatest Buckeyes."[3]. Unfortunately for Branch, his quest to make it to the Hall of Fame didnt happen during his lifetime. Cliff Branch waited a long time to enter 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. After having caught 212 passes for 3,967 yards and 43 touchdowns in his first six years, Branch played the remaining eight seasons with steady but eventual decline. The Raiders have not won a Super Bowl since. He always had nothing but a smile on his face every time I saw him and always said I reminded him of himself, Ford tweeted. Wiki, Biography, Age, Family, TikTok, Instagram, Fernando Torres: A Biography of One of Spains Greatest Ever Strikers, lionel messi argentine footballer Biography, nambi narayanan indian engineer biography. Rob Babcock Biography, Age, Death, Family, Net Worth, David Montgomery Bio, Wiki, Age, Death, Profile, Wife, Net Worth, Who is Caitlyn Sellers? That was of course Cliff Branch, who played two years at Colorado as a receiver from 1970-71. Period., Cliff Branch, Raiders Elusive All-Pro Receiver, Dies at 71, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/05/sports/football/cliff-branch-raiders-dead.html. [6] His third season proved his moment. A cause . Another great player that wont be here to see himself inducted. In a time of celebration for fellow players being inducted into the pro football HOF Im saddened to hear about the passing of cliff branch. Hire a professional web designer for these 5 benefits. A case can be made that Branch belongs there as well. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Jerry McDonald is a Bay Area News Group sports general assignment writer and columnist for The Mercury News and East Bay Times with more than 40 years of experience. Its the crowning glory, just like getting a Super Bowl ring., The Raiders organization concurred after his death, declaring in a statement, Cliffs on-field accomplishments are well documented and undeniably Hall of Fame worthy.. Biography, Wiki, Age, Wife, Family, Death Cause, Ney WorthContinue, Your email address will not be published. Death and Cause. Raiders give Derek Carr his freedom and a head start over other QBs in free agency . There was an awkward collision as Stingley lowered his helmet to protect himself and hit Tatum's shoulder pad. 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. I Will Miss Him Dearly" -MD-, Oakland Raiders (@Raiders) August 4, 2019. Branch was born on Aug. 1, 1948, in Houston, Texas, where he starred in high school and at Wharton Junior College. [8] The Oakland Raiders released a statement that: "Jack was the standard bearer and an inspiration for the position of safety throughout college and professional football," while Ronnie Lott stated that Tatum was one of his "football heroes". She went completely blind at age 14. Branch was found dead in a hotel room in Bullhead City, Ariz., about 3:40 p.m., local police wrote in a Facebook post. acceptable if another cause of death in a, b, or c requires referral to the coroner. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. To facilitate this goal, he created the Ohio-based Jack Tatum Fund for Youthful Diabetes, which finances diabetes research. Jaimie Branch's cause of death is still a secret to fans. His body was found in a hotel room in Bullhead City, Arizona. Fall from cliff : Acc . Tatum collided with Fuqua, knocking the ball into the air. Wiki, Biography, Age, Parents, Swimmer, Net Worth, Jim Bouton Bio, Wiki, Age, Spouse, Death, Net Worth, Who is Ricardo Ciciliano? Those guys were just afraid that hed blow by them, and, ultimately, he would blow by them.. [5] He graduated from Colorado in 1972.[1]. "Cliff Branch touched the lives of generations of Raiders fans," the team said in a statement. During his time with the Raiders, Branch became close with team owner Mark Davis -- before Davis actually owned the team. Branch was a force in the postseason as well, with 1,289 yards receiving. Avant-garde jazz trumpeter Jaimie Branch passed away at the age of 39 at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on August 22, 2022. We love you you. Tatum was born in Cherryville, North Carolina, and grew up in Passaic, New Jersey, where he had little interest in playing sports in his early years. Las Vegas, NV, USA. . On August 3, 2019 at approximately 3:40 p.m. Clifford Branch, former Oakland Raiders two-time Super Bowl champion, was found deceased in a hotel room in Bullhead City, Arizona . "Cliff Was My Best Friend.. Hearing of Cliff Branch passing hurts. Team owner Mark Davis canceled plans to attend a Las Vegas function tonight upon learning news, per @johnnykats. 98 overall. , , , Tunisha Sharma , . The professional actor and athlete, Cliff Simon unfortunately died after a critical Kiteboarding accident at the age of 59. In all likelihood, hell get in eventually, but its a shame that he couldnt be there to see it happen. Cliff Branch was a star receiver for the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders, catching over 500 passes during a 14 year NFL career from 1972 until 1986. Branch placed 5th in the final with 10.1, and he said "My goal has always been to win the NCAA 100 meter championship. The details surrounding his death remain unknown, however a medical report indicates he died in a parking garage; Cliff won three NFL championships with the Raiders in Super Bowl XI, XV, and XVII. Immediate cause of death:The final disease or injury causing the death. I just can't do it. Although his career got off to a slow start, Branch exploded on to the scene during his third season with the team. He was popularly known as "the Assassin" because of his playing style.Tatum was voted to three consecutive Pro Bowls (1973-1975) and was a member of one Super Bowl-winning team . Branch's sister, Elaine Anderson, selected Davis to present her brother, who will enter the Hall of Fame in Canton this Summer. Cliff and fellow receiver Fred Biletnikoff were dependable targets for quarterback Ken Stabler as the Raiders dominated the AFC West for the first five seasons of Branch's career. Cliff Branch was born on August 1, 1948 and died on August 3, 2019. Branch was considered one of the greatest deep threats in NFL history and was a big part of all three of the teams Super Bowl runs. Brach was born on August 1, 1948, in Houston, Texas. 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. On a day where the NFL celebrated its newest Hall of Fame members, the Raiders made sure to point out that Branch should have been one of them. He was one of the most feared deep threats in pro football. "[3][4] He also posted a personal best of 20.5 seconds in the 200 meters. John David Tatum (November 18, 1948 - July 27, 2010) was an American football safety.He played 10 seasons, from 1971 through 1980, with the Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers in the National Football League (NFL). No specific cause was given. The final game of the football season, Passaic's annual Thanksgiving matchup with rival Clifton High School, was regarded as "Jack Tatum Day" and the school honored him with a ceremony at halftime where his number 32 was officially retired.[15]. Love you Cliff @Raiders. 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. HENDERSON, Nev. -- Cliff Branch had just finished the sixth grade when, at his father's 4 th of July company picnic in Houston, boys of all ages and sizes lined up for the day's main event -- a . During his three Super Bowl appearances combined, Branch caught 14 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns. 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. Time went too fast. Performance & security by Cloudflare. "[9] Tatum never apologized for the style he played, stating that, "It's unrealistic. [2] They were supposed to meet once in a television interview, but Stingley backed out when he found out Tatum was promoting his new autobiography during the interview. NAPA, Calif. -- Cliff Branch, a four-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro receiver with the Raiders, has died, the team announced Saturday. "It was a test of my faith, the entire story. Even so, his teammate Art Shell, a Hall of Fame offensive tackle and later a Raiders head coach, said Branch had been feared throughout the league. Case for Cliff Branch to Canton Full Version, The full halftime feature during the Raiders first preseason game makes a case for Raiders legendary receiver Cliff Branch to be the next Raider great inducted 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. Cliff Branch was the ultimate deep threat for the Raiders, he once said in an interview. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. No specific cause was given. The Air Force veteran and International athlete Cliff Simon suddenly died at 59 on Thursday, March 9. Branch died on August 3, 2019, two days after his 71st birthday. Aug 29, 2020. He set the University of Colorado at Boulder and NCAA Championship record in the 100 meters with a time of 10.0 seconds at the 1972 NCAA championships semifinal in Eugene, Oregon. "Cliff Branch touched the lives of generations of Raiders fans. "Cliff was my best friend. Branch died of natural causes, according to the tweet. Keep up-to-date on all things Raiders: Subscribe: rdrs.co/youtube Follow: Twitter.com/Raiders Like: Facebook.com/Raiders Shop at Raider Image: rdrs.co/shop Start, #7 Cliff Branch | Top 10: Fastest Players | NFL Films, Cliff Branch was one of the fastest players to ever set foot on an NFL field. Few teams revere their alumni the way the Raiders do, so this is absolutely heartbreaking news for the Silver and Black. Tatum was also noted for his involvement in the Immaculate Reception play during a 1972 playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 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. The Raiders went on to win the Super Bowl. Thank you for Paving the way and youll never be forgotten. Clifford Robinson's cause of death revealed - NBC Sports RSN. A death often results from the combined effect of two or more conditions. Cliff Branch Death & Cause. Branch was an All-Pro three straight seasons (1974-76) and made four Pro Bowls a record of success that many of his former teammates and coaches, as well as Branch himself, believed should have earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Required fields are marked *. Cliff Branch, the former Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver who was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams, died Saturday. 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. Wednesday, August 3, 2022, marks the three-year death commemoration of legendary NFL player Branch. Cliff was also a standout track athlete. [3] His kidneys started to fail in his final years, and he was awaiting a kidney transplant at the time of his death. [2] The ball fell into the hands of Steelers running back Franco Harris, who ran it 42 yards for the game-winning touchdown. The Oakland Raiders family was dealt devastating news Saturday as legendary wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Cliff Branch has died at the age of 71. 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 Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. He also keeps a good number of former players employed. In contrast to a career where Cliff Branch was known for getting places in a hurry, the former Raiders wide receiver finally made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Thursday 37 years after his . 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. Raiders | The three-time Super Bowl champion was 71 at the time of his death. He had a league-high 1,092 yards receiving in 1974. He also rushed 31 times for 385 yards in runs from scrimmage. Its a superb mark when considering the NFL hadnt yet changed the rules that limited contact to pass-catchers. No cause of death has been released. According to the Bullhead City Police Department in Arizona, Branch died of natural causes at approximately 3:40 p.m. in a hotel room. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. The underlying cause of death is the disease or injury which initiated the train of morbid events leading directly or indirectly to death or the circumstances of the accident or violence which produced the fatal injury. If you want to play football for a living, you're going to get injured."[2][6]. Going to miss those interactions with you. Former Raider Jacoby Ford was like many Raiders receivers who were also track athletes and compared to Branch. . Related Articles [4], Tatum died in Oakland on July 27, 2010, after a heart attack. He was selected a high school All-American as a senior. [1] In football with the Buffaloes in 1970, he caught 23 passes for 355 yards, had 22 carries for 119 yards and one touchdown. 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. Former Raiders Charles Woodson also mentioned the Hall of Fame snub. Tatum's most infamous hit came in an exhibition game against the New England Patriots on August 12, 1978, a play that Tatum later stated he did "thousands of times" in practice and in regular game coverage. According to a family member who reportedly was with him at the time, Edgar Garay was filming a video for TikTok. Head coach Woody Hayes recruited Tatum as a running back. It's been 32 years since Cliff Branch's first year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame. Among the many people hit hard by Branchs death, Raiders owner Mark Davis offered a strong and touching response. 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. Branch, who spent his entire career with the Raiders, ended up retiring following the 1985 season. All rights reserved. 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. 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 played two seasons at Colorado catching 36 passes for 685 yards and four touchdowns for a run-oriented offense. Market data provided by Factset. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a28a9b75f05f170 ), Cliff Branch, right, of the then-Los Angeles Raiders, runs the ball against Mel Blount of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an AFC playoff game in Los Angeles, Jan. 1, 1984. He excelled as a return specialist, running back eight kicks and punts for touchdowns in two seasons for a Colorado record that still stands. [13], Last edited on 27 December 2022, at 06:07, Professional Football Researchers Association, "Cliff Branch, Raiders' Elusive All-Pro Receiver, Dies at 71", "1972 NCAA Track and Field Championships", "Cliff BRANCH profile - all-athletics.com", "Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers - October 14th, 1973", "AFC Championship - Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders - December 29th, 1974", "Former Raiders great Cliff Branch dies at 71", "Captains Dalby, Jensen Dropped by the Raiders", "Los Angeles Raiders at Washington Redskins - October 2nd, 1983", "Divisional Round - Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Raiders - January 1st, 1984", "Cliff Branch, receiver from Oakland Raiders glory years, dies at 71", "Career Statistics at Pro-Football-Reference.com", "#5 Cliff Branch | | NFL Films | Top 10 Players Not in the Hall of Fame", "Former Raiders receiver Cliff Branch dies at 71", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cliff_Branch&oldid=1129808102, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 27 December 2022, at 06:07. F. The 6-foot-10 big man played at UConn from 1985-89, where he helped the Huskies win the 1988 NIT. record for career receiving average is held by Homer Jones of the Giants and the Cleveland Browns, with 22.26.). Powered by. He spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, winning three Super Bowl rings in Super Bowl XI, Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII. 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. a year after his death. NFL Hall Of Fame Cliff Branch was married to his wife Barbara Branch, and they were long together till his demise in 2019. In 20 playoff games, including Super Bowl victories following the 1976, 1980 and 1983 seasons, Branch had 73 catches for 1,289 yards and five touchdowns. On August 3, 2019, Branch passed away in a hotel room in Bullhead City, Arizona. [1] Tatum was used by the Buckeyes to cover the opposing team's best wide receiver, but he also was used occasionally as a linebacker due to the nature of his hits and his innate ability to bring down even the biggest fullback or tight end. The sprinters speed Branch brought to the game was in evidence throughout his career, as he produced his longest play from scrimmage by catching a 99-yard touchdown pass against Washington at age 35 the year the Raiders won their last Super Bowl. He is considered a candidate for induction in 2020, when as many as 20 candidates could be inducted during the NFLs 100th anniversary as a way to ease the logjam of worthy candidates. Cliff Robertson, the ruggedly handsome actor who won an Oscar for "Charly" but found himself frozen out of jobs for almost four years after he exposed a prominent Hollywood studio boss as a . I Will Miss Him Dearly". Cliff Branch, a former standout wide receiver for the Oakland . On August 3, 2019, Branch was found dead in a hotel room in Arizona's Bullhead City. 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. Branch, who led the Raiders to three Super Bowl titles, died Saturday afternoon. 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 graduated in 1972 and became a fourth-round draft pick by the Raiders. His loss leaves an eternal void for the Raiders Family, but his kindness and loving nature will be fondly remembered forever." The incident occurred on Sept. 27 at approximately 1:48 p.m. when . Clifford Branch Jr. (August 1, 1948 August 3, 2019) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders during his entire 14-year National Football League (NFL) career. "It'll come.". Birthday: August 1, 1948. He is survived by his son Brent. Branch currently has the third most receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches in Raiders history. According to the Bullhead Ciy (Arizona) police Twitter account, Branch was found deceased in his hotel room at 3:40 p.m. The initial investigation revealed no suspected foul play and that Mr. RIP #21 #OnceARaiderAlwaysARaider, Kirk Morrison (@kirkmorrison) August 4, 2019. I will miss him dearly., "Cliff Was My Best Friend.. Levi Damien. He married and had three children, and wrote three best-selling books: They Call Me Assassin (1980); They Still Call Me Assassin (1989); and Final Confessions of NFL Assassin Jack Tatum (1996). "He only represented one person, and he did a hell of a job. 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 . After leaving the NFL, Branch briefly played Arena Football for the Los Angeles Cobras. Police in Bullhead City, Ariz., say Branch was found dead in a hotel room Saturday. Tatum worked on increasing awareness of diabetes. Cliff Branch, who played on three Super Bowl championship teams and played his entire 14-year with the Raiders, died Saturday, the club announced. 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 . Cliff was my best friend. One day at a company picnic, it became evident . No cause of death has been released. [5] Richmond, an Oakland journalist and insider, wrote about Tatum's quiet demeanor off the field, which was contrary to most journalistic reports about Tatum. He was once clocked at 9.2 seconds in the 100-yard dash. The cause of . . (Getty Images), Cliff Branch touched the lives of generations of Raiders fans, the team wrote in a statement, according to ESPN. [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. "I am going into my 25th year of being a television meteorologist," he wrote. jaimie branch, a trumpeter who combined punk ferocity with advanced . A sprinter at Colorado in addition to playing football, Branch struck fear into opposing defenses with his ability to get deep. In their own words: 'each death is attributed to a single underlying cause the cause that initiated the series of . He always had nothing but a smile on his face every time I saw and always said I reminded him of himself. The only player that can say that is Cliff Branch. [10] In 1986, he again landed on the reserve list after suffering a pulled hamstring during the preseason.[10]. He made three consecutive All-Pro teams and averaged 19.7 yards per reception. Cliff Branch net worth before his death is estimated to be $5 million. [14], Tatum was honored by Passaic High School during their 2008 season. Branch's cause of death has yet to be revealed, but any information will be updated here. I was a football player who also ran track, he told The Times in 1974. Police in Bullhead City, Arizona, say Branch was found dead in a hotel room Saturday Branch had a slow start to his career, as his 1972 season consisted of one start in 14 games with three combined catches for 41 yards. Cliff Branch was not about to be denied that end zone." . 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. Quincy Williams or JuJu Smith-Schuster: Who is the better grinch. On February 10, 2022, he was selected for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. at Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. How D Cliff Branch Die? All rights reserved. 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. If the death is certified on a paper HP4720 form then write 'Assisted Dying' in Part 1 (a) of the certificate. No cause of death has been released . She is best-known to have signed for International Anthem on which she released two solo albums. As for the Hall of Fame, Branch had been hoping to get in while he was still alive. Two years later, she cried tears of joy as her brother, former Raiders receiver Cliff Branch, was named as a member of the 2022 induction class. This is my last track meet since I expect to sign a pro contract with the Oakland Raiders within the next two weeks. . [1], Tatum eventually faced his own disability challenges, as all five toes on his left foot were amputated in 2003 due to a staph infection caused by diabetes. In a statement released by the Raiders, Mark Davis stated Cliff was my best friend.. Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 4, 2019. He has died at the age of 72. Stabler, despite being . [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.