Late Raiders great named finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Raiders star wide receiver Cliff Branch was named the senior player finalist Tuesday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The senior committee nominates players whose careers ended at least 25 years ago. Branch will need at least 80 percent of the vote from the selection committee when it meets early next year before Super Bowl LVI.

Branch, who played 14 seasons in the 1970s and 1980s, is credited for helping stretch the field with his speed. He averaged 17.3 yards on 501 career receptions that totaled 8,685 yards. He also caught 67 touchdown passes.

Branch elevated his game in the playoffs, averaging 17.7 yards per reception. He caught 73 passes for 1,289 yards and five touchdowns in 22 games, and was part of three Super Bowl championship teams.

“Cliff Branch changed the game,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said on the congratulatory phone call from David Baker, president and CEO of the Hall of Fame. “Whether he was catching the ball or not, safeties and everybody had to be aware of him.”

Branch died Aug. 3, 2019, at the age of 71.

Dick Vermeil, who won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams and appeared in a title game with the Philadelphia Eagles, is the senior coach nominee.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.