Lets not forget,that when Branch retired he had the most yards and receptions in post season history. 4 time pro bowler,4 time all pro and 3 time super bowl champ. He played much of his career before the rules changed to favor the passing game. This is a no brainer,he should have been in years ago.
Branch died and in the next Hall vote they select Drew Pearson who had 20 fewer touchdowns and 863 fewer yards. And as noted, Branch retired the NFL's All Time Leader in playoff receptions and yards.
00 Jim Otto 8 Ray Guy 12 Ken Stabler 16 George Blanda 21 Cliff Branch 24 Willie Brown 25 Fred Biletnikoff 32 Jack Tatum (Or Marcus Allen but he was a Raider Traitor.) 63 Gene Upshaw 75 Howie Long 78 Art Shell 81 Tim Brown 83 Ted Hendricks 87 Dave Casper. If the Raiders retired numbers, these would most likely be the retired numbers. Puts us even with the Bears who have been around 40 years longer than the Raiders. Technically speaking Jim Otto is the only retired jersey number no one in the NFL can use 00 anymore.
@@DixieYankee How bout Steve Wisniewski, Don Mosebar, Lyle Alzado? Edit: Jim Plunkett. There was a lot of great players in the early 80's that get overlooked.
HE'S NOT DEAD, THE LAST I HEARD, BUT MAYBE ALITTLE TOASTY CUZ HIS HOUSE UP IN THE NAPA VALLEY BURNED IN 1 OF THOSE WILD FIRES AND HE RAN BACK INTO THE BURNIN' HOUSE TO GET HIS 3 SUPER BOWL CHAMP RINGS. NOW THAT IS COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, HUH, AL?
Please explain to me why Cliff Branch is not in the HOA! He had better stats than Swan & Stalworth. He won three Super Bowls. Came up huge in the biggest of games. He was elegant, a class act. I love you Cliff, you will always have a spot in my heart. My Hero! ❤️
@Josh Nelson It was a different era in the 70’s / 80’s. Compare his stats to Lynn Swan, especially in playoffs and Super Bowls and you will see the Cliff (Speed Kills) Branch had superior stats.
C'mon beloved. The only reason you had to mention Swann and Stallworth is because... They were the best tandem of receivers of the 70's. Swann, IMO, had the greatest catches on the biggest stage, The Super Bowl. Cliff was the man and I definitely recognized his speed as a young boy in the 70's. Congratulations brother! 👏🏾 That rivalry was top tier bitter. It got no realer. 💯💯💯 #21🩶🖤🩶🖤 Rest In PeaceSir🕊️ Love, a Steelers fan 🖤💛🖤💛
Cliff Branch, for his era, had the numbers and has the rings (still one of the most prolific postseason receivers in history). I think this has been a no-brainer for a long time.
No, Cliff Branch knew he could beat his man deep when whoever was singing the National Anthem had finished singing " Oooh ", just before they sang " Say ", and by the end of the National Anthem, Branch's man knew Branch could beat him deep!
Rick Scorsese well George sifert isn't in! Jimmy Johnson isn't in! Mike Shannan isn't in! why should Flores be in? he went 14-34 in three years in Seattle! those other guys won 2 super bowls and they aren't in! why should Flores be in?
Connar Cowan George Sifert's first super bowl was basically Walsh's team,I wouldn't be mad if he was left out our inducted.Shanahan should be in eventually and Jimmy didn't coach long enough although I wouldn't be to mad if he got in either.Any more questions?
Rick Scorsese Madden only coached what? 9 years and got in? how many players were there in 1994 for San Francisco were from that 89 team? Steve young? shanahan won't get in because of his later years in Denver and his Washington tenure!
Branch vs Swann is no contest: Branch has more catches, more yards, more touchdowns, and more yards per catch than Swann. He made more Pro Bowls and had more All-Pro seasons. Steeler fans say that postseason success is what counts. Branch, not Swann, retired asthe NFL's all-time leader in playoff catches and yards. He Beats Swann in literally every category in the regular and postseason. Swann won 4 Super Bowls, Branch won 3. Why does the HoF hate Raiders? Lester Hayes should also be in. Stabler had to die to get in.
I agree... it's really a no brainer. Cliff Branch, the most feared WR during his time along with Lester Hayes, the most feared CB during his time... coaches actually told their QBs not to throw in Lester's direction.... not to mention other Raiders that should be in the HOF. Better than people that are in the HOF and you can only ask... WTF??? WHY NOT??? It has long been said there are people on the selection comity that will not vote for Raiders... Raider Haters.
Drew Pearson should be in as well. He is the only player on the NFL All Decade team that is not in the HOF. And he was more consistent than Swann too. Swann just made big catches in the Super Bowl. One of the most overrated WRs in NFL history.
Came here when I found out of his passing. Me and my pops were at a raider game against the chiefs back in 2001 and we seen a crowd formed my dad says "THAT'S CLIFF BRANCH!" we got our tickets signed and watched our beloved raiders win that game. Great memories R.I.P #21
Cliff Branch had one of the most amazing deep threat seasons, if not the most amazing, of all time in 1976. He caught only 46 passes but still amassed 1111 yards - which is a RIDICULOUS average of 24 yards a catch. That is insane. The man is the original deep threat and the prototype deep threat receiver. Played his whole career with the Raiders and won THREE rings with them and made the Pro Bowl 4 times. Induct this man already - even if it is too late for him to experience it. Sleep in peace Mr. Branch.
Two things: 1. Flat out...the scariest receiver in the NFL in the 70s. I mean, who was scarier? Swann? Nope. Stallworth? Nope. Drew Pearson? Hell no. The guy was frightening for more than 10 years. 3 SB rings, 10 flat 100m. Come on, man. 2. It's a total travesty that this guy didn't get in a LONG time ago and I'm just sad he didn't get to experience the recognition while he wa alive. And I'm not even a Raiders fan. LOL
Should be in hall of fame maybe one day he will get voted in, rest in peace my friend, known him since i was 7 years old 52 now. He use to date my mom.
Lynn Swann getting in before Cliff Branch was one of the worst injustices in the history of the Hall of Fame. There's no comparison. Branch was the superior player in every way.
Cliff Branch was the best deep threat of the 1970s and is much more deserving of the Hall of Fame than Lynn Swann and Joe Namath. 2020 is an even numbered year so 2 senior candidates will be nominated instead of just 1 like this year. I would definitely give 1 of those nominations to Ken Anderson and Branch is amongst a handful of players I would support being the other. RIP Cliff Branch.
I would also add Sterling Sharpe to the list. The fact that Howton was the 1st player to exceed 500 catches and the 1st player to exceed 8000 yards is significant enough that he should've gotten in. Sharpe has longevity working against him but in his last 6 seasons was a 5 time Pro Bowler and 3 time 1st Team All Pro. He was the 1st player with multiple or back to back 100 catch seasons, led the NFL in catches 3 times, led the NFL in yards 1ce, led the NFL in receiving touchdowns 2 times, won a receiving triple crown in 1992 with a 108/1423/13 line, and in 1994 set a still standing Packers record with 18 receiving touchdowns. If Ken Anderson is the deserving quarterback who can't make it, Sharpe (along with Branch) is the deserving receiver who can't make. If Gale Sayers and Terrell Davis could get in with shorter careers, I don't see why Sterling Shaper can't As for Howton, if you say pre 1965 is a disadvantage, well that didn't hurt Raymond Berry, who got 1st ballot in 1973 while playing most of his career and all of his prime before 1965. FWIW, if I could choose 5 eligible players not in the Hall of Fame to put in, I'd likely choose Sterling Sharpe, Cliff Branch, Billy Howton, Ken Anderson, and Chuck Howley.
I'm not saying that Cliff Branch was the best WR who wasn't in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, who was already eligible, but he should've been in the Hall of Fame a long time ago. One of the best deep threats ever.
I just assumed he was in the HOF already. As a Dolphins fan, I would compare him to Paul Warfield, although I wasn't alive or old enough to see either play in person. Rest easy Cliff.
My coach said to me…. “You remind me of Cliff Brench you should watch some highlights. Your fast and you got the jukes.. and your fearless” that i watched this video and damn he was right Cliff is so good and fast and fearless. RIP Cliff Brench🌟🖤🕊. I NOW LOOK UP TO YOU💨⚡️
I loved Cliff as a kid growing up in the 70s. But no, he was not better than Moss. Moss was an absolute freak. Best of all time 1. Rice, 2. T.O., 3. Moss, then everyone else.
i was skeptical about branch, but then I looked up the comparisons in stats between Branch, Stallworth, Swann, and Biletnikoff, since they basically played in the same era. Biletnikoff: 8,974 yards/589 catches/76 touchdowns (1965-1978) Stallworth: 8,723 yards/537 catches/63 touchdowns (1974-1987) Branch: 8,685 yards/501 catches/67 touchdowns (1972-1986) Swann: 5,462 yards/336 catches/51 touchdowns (1974-1982) One of these is not like the other, you might say - But Branch is the only one to not make it of those four. Actually, you could go further with a recent inductee in Harold Carmichael. He caught 590 passes for 8,985 yards and 79 touchdowns from 1971-1984. Or one could go with a perennial candidate (and up again for voting this Sunday) in Drew Pearson, who caught 489 passes for 7,822 yards and 48 touchdowns from 1973-1983. Branch definitely has a case.
Its not a "best players not in the Hall of Fame" list without at least ONE Raider, is it? I remember Kenny Stabler and Tim Brown used to be on the list, then those guys got inducted so now its Branch. I assume whenever Branch makes it they'll replace him with Lester Hayes or Tom Flores. Also, before any Raiders fan tries to kill me, yes, I think Branch deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. I'm just making a joke about Raiders fans weird paranoia regarding the HOF.
Raider Nation will not rest until all Raiders, up to and including Marc Wilson are in the HOF. ;-) Seriously, as a Raider fan I feel the team got a little snubbed over the years because of Al Davis wagging his finger at the league, and the "cheating is okay" attitude - though they cheated no more or less than other teams. For example, Casper and Guy had to wait too long, and Stabler had to die to get in. But the only two people left who are getting snubbed are Branch and Flores. After that, everyone else any Raider fan could name are honestly on the bubble. Plunkett, Hayes, Dalby, Chester, Townsend, Christensen, Wisniewski, Washington, Tatum (probably never get there), are all waiting in line for a reason. I think some can, and maybe someday will get there, but it won't be a snub, let alone conspiracy if they don't get in.
SHAME! SHAMe! SHAme! SHame! SHame! The HOF waited until this man died to put him in the HOF. He deserved to have been recognized when he could have celebrated with his brothers who were inducted before him. R.I.P. Raider 🏈 . Your fans and anyone who recognized your talents put you in the H.O.F while you lived. ⚘🏈⚘🏈⚘🏈⚘
@@TheRaidernation33 He might be able to get in next year in the expanded HOF class. 2 coaches will be inducted. Then again, let's hope he lives to see it. It's sad he isn't in either.
finchborat that’s exactly what will happen it’s a damn shame. Kenny and Cliff should’ve been in the HOF years ago. Tom Flores as well. I hope he’ll be able to witness his induction...😪
Sterling Sharpe: 7 year Period alone 5x Pro Bowler, 3x First Team All-Pro and is one of 7 Men at the WR Position to have The Receiving "Triple Crown" Receiving Yards , Rec. Receptions and Rec. TDs the others are Lance Alworth(HOFer), Jerry Rice(HOFer) , Steve Smith( sure Future HOFer), Don Huston( HOFer) among others. Tell me Sterling Sharpe belongs in Canton
jesusjr millan as much as I like Sterling Sharpe, I believe that he is in the same position as Tony Boselli. He didn't play long enough. I personally think that is stupid reason but that is what I feel. however, Now that Kenny Easley is in it might make it easier for both Sterling Sharpe & Tony Boselli to be at least considered.
Frank Noel one guy that I think will make the HOF despite not playing that long is Patrick Willis. He only played 8 seasons, but I think those 5 all pro teams will eventually get him in. It may take awhile though. there’s a log jam at WR. The passing game has exploded in the last couple decades, all these WRs with great numbers will not make the HOF, or it will take them awhile. Also the number of RBs with 10,000 career rushing yards has gone up a lot and a good number of those will be left out.
So smooooooooth! Swann got in because he was outspoken. CB let his actions speak for themselves. Finally in the Hall. A little too late, better than never.
Just another case of "justice delayed is justice denied" as the great Cliff Branch will now have to join another Raider NFL immortal, Ken Stabler, in the posthumously elected Hall of Fame. Shame on you NFL! RIP Cliff Branch.
Cliff Branch wasn't just about speed. Yeah, he could stretch a defense, but the guy had great hands, knew how to run a route, and could adjust to the ball in the air. If the only thing needed to play in the NFL was speed, then Renaldo Nehemiah would be in the Hall of Fame.
Here is my top 10... 1) Cliff Branch, 2) Lester Hayes, 3) Steve Wisniewski, 4) Todd Christensen, 5) Dave Dalby 6) D. Lamonica, 7) Jack Tatum, 8) Henry Lawrence 9) Jim Plunkett, 10) Raymond Chester
In My Opinion, THE MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY!!!! Cliff Branch Put fear in the eyes of EVERYONE from Mel Blount and Michael Haynes to Darrell Green. He showed up in ALL of the Raiders Big Games, and produced better numbers than Swann, Stallworth and others in the Hall. BIG PLAYS IN ALL BIG GAMES!!!!! The Minute the NFL talked about the 10 veterans they are inducting next year, I thought "FINALLY, him, Otis Taylor, Jerry Smith and Drew Pearson are getting in..." Too bad it's gonna be posthumously. Rest In Peace, Cliff. You were the best in an area where you were tremendously unappreciated. The Greatest Pure Deep Threat that ever lived!!!!
If he was the greatest deep threat ever shouldn’t he have a higher average yards per catch. Shouldn’t he have more long touchdown receptions than he did great deep threat by far not the greatest deep threat ever not even in his era.So statistics and accomplishments mean nothing just because you say it it is so?
Another mark in favor for Cliff Branch is he was a great receiver regardless of the quarterback. Whether it was Ken Stabler, George Blanda, Jim Plunkett, whoever, Cliff Branch put up the stats. In addition I believe he is still in the top 3 in post season receptions, receiving yards & touchdown receptions. I think Jerry Rice & Michael Irvin are ahead of him.
I'm kind of shocked he isn't in. I honestly thought he was in. Played forever, won, great numbers, & not only did he play a long time he was good the whole time. I don't even like the Raiders but the guy belongs.
Branch had better regular season stats than Swann and Drew Pearson and equal to John Stallworth (with more touchdowns). Branch retired the NFL's All-Time Leader playoff receptions and yards. He should have been enshrined three decades ago.
Lets not forget,that when Branch retired he had the most yards and receptions in post season history. 4 time pro bowler,4 time all pro and 3 time super bowl champ. He played much of his career before the rules changed to favor the passing game. This is a no brainer,he should have been in years ago.
Omar You are absolutely correct!
Omar Wajeeh no question Cliff Branch Deserves to be in Canton and it is said that The Snake Passed Before he got inducted he should've got in long ago
Branch died and in the next Hall vote they select Drew Pearson who had 20 fewer touchdowns and 863 fewer yards. And as noted, Branch retired the NFL's All Time Leader in playoff receptions and yards.
It's because a lot of people around the NFL don't like Al Davis especially cuz he sued them many times and won every time
Now he is!!!! Congrats Cliff! It took an unnecessary amount of time but now you're in!
Raiders don't retire jerseys, if they did there wouldn't be no jerseys to wear.
Those double negatives get you every time.
I Agree
34 should be retired, no arguments.
00 Jim Otto 8 Ray Guy 12 Ken Stabler 16 George Blanda 21 Cliff Branch 24 Willie Brown 25 Fred Biletnikoff 32 Jack Tatum (Or Marcus Allen but he was a Raider Traitor.) 63 Gene Upshaw 75 Howie Long 78 Art Shell 81 Tim Brown 83 Ted Hendricks 87 Dave Casper. If the Raiders retired numbers, these would most likely be the retired numbers. Puts us even with the Bears who have been around 40 years longer than the Raiders. Technically speaking Jim Otto is the only retired jersey number no one in the NFL can use 00 anymore.
@@DixieYankee How bout Steve Wisniewski, Don Mosebar, Lyle Alzado?
Edit: Jim Plunkett.
There was a lot of great players in the early 80's that get overlooked.
RIP Cliff Branch. The most feared receiver of the 1970’s. His not being in the Hall of Fame is a joke.
Thanks to hacks like Paul Zimmerman, him and Snake had to die before they got in.
HE'S NOT DEAD, THE LAST I HEARD, BUT MAYBE ALITTLE TOASTY CUZ HIS HOUSE UP IN THE NAPA VALLEY BURNED IN 1 OF THOSE WILD FIRES AND HE RAN BACK INTO THE BURNIN' HOUSE TO GET HIS 3 SUPER BOWL CHAMP RINGS. NOW THAT IS COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, HUH, AL?
@@johnnyraiderhe died in 2019 you troll
cliff branch is an absolute hall of famer
AND they didn't really highlight the fact he has 3 Super Bowl rings. He's a HOFer.
Please explain to me why Cliff Branch is not in the HOA! He had better stats than Swan & Stalworth. He won three Super Bowls. Came up huge in the biggest of games. He was elegant, a class act. I love you Cliff, you will always have a spot in my heart.
My Hero! ❤️
@Josh Nelson It was a different era in the 70’s / 80’s.
Compare his stats to Lynn Swan, especially in playoffs and Super Bowls and you will see the Cliff (Speed Kills) Branch had superior stats.
Stuart Damon He is in now Class of '22
The HOA? I don't know why he's not in the home owners' association
Because of sportswriters, like Dr Z, with a grudge against the Raiders.
C'mon beloved. The only reason you had to mention Swann and Stallworth is because...
They were the best tandem of receivers of the 70's. Swann, IMO, had the greatest catches on the biggest stage, The Super Bowl. Cliff was the man and I definitely recognized his speed as a young boy in the 70's. Congratulations brother! 👏🏾 That rivalry was top tier bitter. It got no realer. 💯💯💯
#21🩶🖤🩶🖤 Rest In PeaceSir🕊️
Love, a Steelers fan 🖤💛🖤💛
Cliff Branch, for his era, had the numbers and has the rings (still one of the most prolific postseason receivers in history). I think this has been a no-brainer for a long time.
R.I.P. Cliff. Thanks for the memories.
Cliff Branch...the only player who knew at the end of the National Anthem that he could beat his man deep.
No, Cliff Branch knew he could beat his man deep when whoever was singing the National Anthem had finished singing " Oooh ", just before they sang " Say ", and by the end of the National Anthem, Branch's man knew Branch could beat him deep!
Lester Hayes,Jack Tatum,Tom Flores and Cliff Branch all should be Hall of Famers
Rick Scorsese Flores as a coach? what about the three bad years in Seattle?
Connar Cowan You mean after 2 super bowls in Oakland?🙄
Rick Scorsese well George sifert isn't in! Jimmy Johnson isn't in! Mike Shannan isn't in! why should Flores be in? he went 14-34 in three years in Seattle! those other guys won 2 super bowls and they aren't in! why should Flores be in?
Connar Cowan George Sifert's first super bowl was basically Walsh's team,I wouldn't be mad if he was left out our inducted.Shanahan should be in eventually and Jimmy didn't coach long enough although I wouldn't be to mad if he got in either.Any more questions?
Rick Scorsese Madden only coached what? 9 years and got in? how many players were there in 1994 for San Francisco were from that 89 team? Steve young? shanahan won't get in because of his later years in Denver and his Washington tenure!
Cliff is FINALLY in...and
Love the Bill King play calling on this.
Can't believe he's gone. Just shocking. RIP 21.
Branch is a legend
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Branch vs Swann is no contest:
Branch has more catches, more yards, more touchdowns, and more yards per catch than Swann.
He made more Pro Bowls and had more All-Pro seasons.
Steeler fans say that postseason success is what counts. Branch, not Swann, retired asthe NFL's all-time leader in playoff catches and yards. He Beats Swann in literally every category in the regular and postseason.
Swann won 4 Super Bowls, Branch won 3.
Why does the HoF hate Raiders? Lester Hayes should also be in. Stabler had to die to get in.
I agree... it's really a no brainer. Cliff Branch, the most feared WR during his time along with Lester Hayes, the most feared CB during his time... coaches actually told their QBs not to throw in Lester's direction.... not to mention other Raiders that should be in the HOF. Better than people that are in the HOF and you can only ask... WTF??? WHY NOT??? It has long been said there are people on the selection comity that will not vote for Raiders... Raider Haters.
Drew Pearson should be in as well. He is the only player on the NFL All Decade team that is not in the HOF. And he was more consistent than Swann too. Swann just made big catches in the Super Bowl. One of the most overrated WRs in NFL history.
Clay Pleasant “he just made catches in Super Bowls” lmao I agree Branch was better but he does have longer career than Swann
Vincent Vasquez someone’s durability and longevity in the brutal and physical sport of football shouldn’t be used against them.
Thank You For Your Service! Yes of course not he does belong and swann could have played more he just decided to do his broadcasting career
He is a Hall of Famer by far. He scared the crap out of everyone! Every One! He smoked them all, and showed up in the big Games. Has three rings too.
Came here when I found out of his passing. Me and my pops were at a raider game against the chiefs back in 2001 and we seen a crowd formed my dad says "THAT'S CLIFF BRANCH!" we got our tickets signed and watched our beloved raiders win that game. Great memories R.I.P #21
Cliff Branch had one of the most amazing deep threat seasons, if not the most amazing, of all time in 1976. He caught only 46 passes but still amassed 1111 yards - which is a RIDICULOUS average of 24 yards a catch. That is insane. The man is the original deep threat and the prototype deep threat receiver. Played his whole career with the Raiders and won THREE rings with them and made the Pro Bowl 4 times. Induct this man already - even if it is too late for him to experience it. Sleep in peace Mr. Branch.
Two things:
1. Flat out...the scariest receiver in the NFL in the 70s. I mean, who was scarier? Swann? Nope. Stallworth? Nope. Drew Pearson? Hell no. The guy was frightening for more than 10 years. 3 SB rings, 10 flat 100m. Come on, man.
2. It's a total travesty that this guy didn't get in a LONG time ago and I'm just sad he didn't get to experience the recognition while he wa alive. And I'm not even a Raiders fan. LOL
Hall of Famer in my book, Raiders Legend! One of my favorites, RIP Cliff :(
Lynn Swann couldn't hold Cliff Branch's jock with both hands and a back support, yet he is in the Hall of Fame and Cliff isn't
Branch would still be a dominant WR in today's game, which you cannot say about a lot of guys from back in the 1970s.
ya hed be a modern tyrek hill
I'm glad Cliff Branch was finally elected to Canton. Though it's late by way to many decades. He finally joins his brother's there where he belongs.
Cliff Branch > Drew Pearson
Cliff Branch > Lynn Swann
Get Cliff In The Hall.
Lynn Swann wasn't half the player Cliff Branch was.
Swann 0wned Branch
"Swannage"
@@d0nKsTaH check the stats Branch had better numbers than swan
@@KDTV26 Stats don't matter.
What matters is that Lynn Swann was on the "good guy's" team...
Branch was on the "bad guys" team.
Heh :P
@@d0nKsTaH facts love it lol 😂😂
Cliff Branch had better career than about 10 WR in Hall of Fame. Lots of big playoff touchdowns. Much better than Lynn Swann.
Cliff Branch needs to be in the hall of fame. Period!
As a fan, I'm really pissed realizing this travesty - dumb writers!
He's in now baby
Rest in piece Cliff. you are missed by many :(
Should be in hall of fame maybe one day he will get voted in, rest in peace my friend, known him since i was 7 years old 52 now. He use to date my mom.
1:17
What always gets me about this clip is how fast he is running and it doesn't even look like he's trying.
Rest In Peace Cliff Branch. Raider Nation loves you.
Total shame he was never able to see himself get in. Go buffs
MY GUY CLIFF IS FINALLY IN THE HALL!!!!!
Lynn Swann getting in before Cliff Branch was one of the worst injustices in the history of the Hall of Fame. There's no comparison. Branch was the superior player in every way.
Cliff Branch was the best deep threat of the 1970s and is much more deserving of the Hall of Fame than Lynn Swann and Joe Namath. 2020 is an even numbered year so 2 senior candidates will be nominated instead of just 1 like this year. I would definitely give 1 of those nominations to Ken Anderson and Branch is amongst a handful of players I would support being the other. RIP Cliff Branch.
You NAILED IT!! The 2 best players not in the HOF.
@Harry Engel I'll take your word on Billy H.
I would also add Sterling Sharpe to the list. The fact that Howton was the 1st player to exceed 500 catches and the 1st player to exceed 8000 yards is significant enough that he should've gotten in. Sharpe has longevity working against him but in his last 6 seasons was a 5 time Pro Bowler and 3 time 1st Team All Pro. He was the 1st player with multiple or back to back 100 catch seasons, led the NFL in catches 3 times, led the NFL in yards 1ce, led the NFL in receiving touchdowns 2 times, won a receiving triple crown in 1992 with a 108/1423/13 line, and in 1994 set a still standing Packers record with 18 receiving touchdowns. If Ken Anderson is the deserving quarterback who can't make it, Sharpe (along with Branch) is the deserving receiver who can't make. If Gale Sayers and Terrell Davis could get in with shorter careers, I don't see why Sterling Shaper can't
As for Howton, if you say pre 1965 is a disadvantage, well that didn't hurt Raymond Berry, who got 1st ballot in 1973 while playing most of his career and all of his prime before 1965.
FWIW, if I could choose 5 eligible players not in the Hall of Fame to put in, I'd likely choose Sterling Sharpe, Cliff Branch, Billy Howton, Ken Anderson, and Chuck Howley.
Belongs in the HOF
RiP 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Idc what happens, he should still be enshrined in the hall of fame his family deserves that at least that much now.
I'm not saying that Cliff Branch was the best WR who wasn't in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, who was already eligible, but he should've been in the Hall of Fame a long time ago. One of the best deep threats ever.
I just assumed he was in the HOF already. As a Dolphins fan, I would compare him to Paul Warfield, although I wasn't alive or old enough to see either play in person. Rest easy Cliff.
I remember Cliff Branch on the Raiders ... Really good receiver 💫
You thought he was fast before...now he's at the speed of light.
Speed and the first true deep threat. Sad to say career was overshadowed by Fred Biletnikoff. Was the John Stallworth of the Raiders.
My coach said to me…. “You remind me of Cliff Brench you should watch some highlights. Your fast and you got the jukes.. and your fearless” that i watched this video and damn he was right Cliff is so good and fast and fearless. RIP Cliff Brench🌟🖤🕊. I NOW LOOK UP TO YOU💨⚡️
He finally got in the hall
Hall of famer!!!!!
3:00 -- My favorite Cliff Branch TD, because it shows his next-level speed so clearly.
Harold Jackson should be on this list as well
Rip branch, I bet now he'll get in although he should've been already
Cliff Branch could run from the devil himself, and even he couldn't catch #21... E.V.A. !!!
I'm sitting here. at work and my co-worker. said randy. moss is the best of all time I told him no my cousin. was the best Cliff Branch
I loved Cliff as a kid growing up in the 70s. But no, he was not better than Moss. Moss was an absolute freak. Best of all time 1. Rice, 2. T.O., 3. Moss, then everyone else.
@@claypleasant6327 BRANCH was Better...He showed up in all the Big Games. Got Three Super Bowl Rings to boot.
@@williamcooper6274
I would agree as great as Randy Moss is he came up small in big Playoff games
i was skeptical about branch, but then I looked up the comparisons in stats between Branch, Stallworth, Swann, and Biletnikoff, since they basically played in the same era.
Biletnikoff: 8,974 yards/589 catches/76 touchdowns (1965-1978)
Stallworth: 8,723 yards/537 catches/63 touchdowns (1974-1987)
Branch: 8,685 yards/501 catches/67 touchdowns (1972-1986)
Swann: 5,462 yards/336 catches/51 touchdowns (1974-1982)
One of these is not like the other, you might say - But Branch is the only one to not make it of those four. Actually, you could go further with a recent inductee in Harold Carmichael.
He caught 590 passes for 8,985 yards and 79 touchdowns from 1971-1984.
Or one could go with a perennial candidate (and up again for voting this Sunday) in Drew Pearson, who caught 489 passes for 7,822 yards and 48 touchdowns from 1973-1983.
Branch definitely has a case.
Welcome to the HoF class of 2022
He’s now off this list. Cliff Branch Hall of Fame Class of 2022!
He finally got in it's just sad he's not still with us to enjoy it should have happened years ago while he was still around
We one step closer Cliff, we got you Raidersssssssss
Big time big player. Small, fast, tough. I remember him in big games,4 rec,100 yds, and a td Smokin some poor fool!
Cliff Branch should be in Hall of Fame. 🏈
Its not a "best players not in the Hall of Fame" list without at least ONE Raider, is it? I remember Kenny Stabler and Tim Brown used to be on the list, then those guys got inducted so now its Branch. I assume whenever Branch makes it they'll replace him with Lester Hayes or Tom Flores.
Also, before any Raiders fan tries to kill me, yes, I think Branch deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. I'm just making a joke about Raiders fans weird paranoia regarding the HOF.
Raider Nation will not rest until all Raiders, up to and including Marc Wilson are in the HOF. ;-)
Seriously, as a Raider fan I feel the team got a little snubbed over the years because of Al Davis wagging his finger at the league, and the "cheating is okay" attitude - though they cheated no more or less than other teams. For example, Casper and Guy had to wait too long, and Stabler had to die to get in.
But the only two people left who are getting snubbed are Branch and Flores. After that, everyone else any Raider fan could name are honestly on the bubble. Plunkett, Hayes, Dalby, Chester, Townsend, Christensen, Wisniewski, Washington, Tatum (probably never get there), are all waiting in line for a reason. I think some can, and maybe someday will get there, but it won't be a snub, let alone conspiracy if they don't get in.
What about Lyle Alzado? Ppl forget he was a damn good player. Everyone used PEDs back in the day.
Phil Anderson An even bigger crime that Townsend isn’t on there
24 yards per catch in the 1976/77 season with the Oakland Raiders
SHAME! SHAMe! SHAme! SHame! SHame! The HOF waited until this man died to put him in the HOF. He deserved to have been recognized when he could have celebrated with his brothers who were inducted before him.
R.I.P. Raider 🏈 . Your fans and anyone who recognized your talents put you in the H.O.F while you lived.
⚘🏈⚘🏈⚘🏈⚘
He's in now. Congratulations.
Other thing about Cliff, if Mel Blount or any other DB back then hit him he would laugh. Swann if you smacked him enough he would be off his game.
In the same game that Noll said Atkinson had criminal intent, Blount flipped and piledrove Branch into the field.
Week 1 1976
Cliff Branch is in!
He’s in now! Finally. Too bad he has passed before he got in.
RIP Cliff Branch
Prayers from Patriot Nation. Only question now is: Like Stabler 3 yrs ago, will it take Branch dying to get him into the HOF?
finchborat rip no21
Yep the same will happen to Tom Flores to damn shame
TheRaidernation33 I hear ya nfl never liked the Raiders
@@TheRaidernation33 He might be able to get in next year in the expanded HOF class. 2 coaches will be inducted.
Then again, let's hope he lives to see it. It's sad he isn't in either.
finchborat that’s exactly what will happen it’s a damn shame. Kenny and Cliff should’ve been in the HOF years ago. Tom Flores as well. I hope he’ll be able to witness his induction...😪
Sterling Sharpe: 7 year Period alone 5x Pro Bowler, 3x First Team All-Pro and is one of 7 Men at the WR Position to have The Receiving "Triple Crown" Receiving Yards , Rec. Receptions and Rec. TDs the others are Lance Alworth(HOFer), Jerry Rice(HOFer) , Steve Smith( sure Future HOFer), Don Huston( HOFer) among others. Tell me Sterling Sharpe belongs in Canton
jesusjr millan as much as I like Sterling Sharpe, I believe that he is in the same position as Tony Boselli. He didn't play long enough. I personally think that is stupid reason but that is what I feel. however, Now that Kenny Easley is in it might make it easier for both Sterling Sharpe & Tony Boselli to be at least considered.
Frank Noel one guy that I think will make the HOF despite not playing that long is Patrick Willis. He only played 8 seasons, but I think those 5 all pro teams will eventually get him in. It may take awhile though.
there’s a log jam at WR. The passing game has exploded in the last couple decades, all these WRs with great numbers will not make the HOF, or it will take them awhile. Also the number of RBs with 10,000 career rushing yards has gone up a lot and a good number of those will be left out.
So smooooooooth! Swann got in because he was outspoken. CB let his actions speak for themselves. Finally in the Hall. A little too late, better than never.
It's a shame that he is not in but stallworth and swan are
Welcome to the Pro Football HoF Class of 2022.
He’s in now!
Rest in Peace. Gone way too early and its a crying shame he didn't get the chance to put that golden jacket on before he passed.
Rest in Peace
Well now he is congrats to the Branch family wished he got in sooner
Finally made it to the HOF. Too bad neither you nor Stabler were there to get your jackets in person. RIP
Ken Burroughs coached our wide receivers at my high school in 1998.
Rest in Power Cliff
As of early april 2019. Cliff branch is at my grocery store signing autographs.
Just another case of "justice delayed is justice denied" as the great Cliff Branch will now have to join another Raider NFL immortal, Ken Stabler, in the posthumously elected Hall of Fame. Shame on you NFL! RIP Cliff Branch.
RIP Cliff Branch
Finally we can say Hall of Famer Clifford Branch! R.I.P SPEED KILLS #21! ☠☠☠
Cliff Branch wasn't just about speed. Yeah, he could stretch a defense, but the guy had great hands, knew how to run a route, and could adjust to the ball in the air. If the only thing needed to play in the NFL was speed, then Renaldo Nehemiah would be in the Hall of Fame.
Cliff Branch was an incredible wide receiver.
He should be HOF, in my book he is.
Cliff Branch finally made it into the Hall of Fame, where he belonged for many years.
branch was a baaad man, should be a hall of famer
Branch is finally in Canton!!!!!!!
Here is my top 10... 1) Cliff Branch, 2) Lester Hayes, 3) Steve Wisniewski, 4) Todd Christensen, 5) Dave Dalby 6) D. Lamonica, 7) Jack Tatum, 8) Henry Lawrence 9) Jim Plunkett, 10) Raymond Chester
Update 2022: He’s finally in Canton!!!
Yes he is about Damn time
In My Opinion, THE MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY!!!! Cliff Branch Put fear in the eyes of EVERYONE from Mel Blount and Michael Haynes to Darrell Green. He showed up in ALL of the Raiders Big Games, and produced better numbers than Swann, Stallworth and others in the Hall. BIG PLAYS IN ALL BIG GAMES!!!!! The Minute the NFL talked about the 10 veterans they are inducting next year, I thought "FINALLY, him, Otis Taylor, Jerry Smith and Drew Pearson are getting in..." Too bad it's gonna be posthumously. Rest In Peace, Cliff. You were the best in an area where you were tremendously unappreciated. The Greatest Pure Deep Threat that ever lived!!!!
If he was the greatest deep threat ever shouldn’t he have a higher average yards per catch. Shouldn’t he have more long touchdown receptions than he did great deep threat by far not the greatest deep threat ever not even in his era.So statistics and accomplishments mean nothing just because you say it it is so?
He finally made it in. 2022.
RIP Cliff Branch, hopefully the NFL puts him in 2020🙏🏾
2022 he is in
Now he is HOF 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Congrats Cliff. You made it:) Speed Kills
Rest In Peace!
Another mark in favor for Cliff Branch is he was a great receiver regardless of the quarterback. Whether it was Ken Stabler, George Blanda, Jim Plunkett, whoever, Cliff Branch put up the stats. In addition I believe he is still in the top 3 in post season receptions, receiving yards & touchdown receptions. I think Jerry Rice & Michael Irvin are ahead of him.
I'm kind of shocked he isn't in. I honestly thought he was in. Played forever, won, great numbers, & not only did he play a long time he was good the whole time. I don't even like the Raiders but the guy belongs.
Rip you did it right cliff
RIP Cliff Branch !
Branch had better regular season stats than Swann and Drew Pearson and equal to John Stallworth (with more touchdowns). Branch retired the NFL's All-Time Leader playoff receptions and yards. He should have been enshrined three decades ago.
A lot of Branch haters try to argue "Well, Swann has 4 rings, BOOM!" Cliff Branch was on all 3 of the Raiders Super Bowl champion teams. BOOM
?? I always thought he was in. How on earth is he not?
Can’t believe he didn’t make the centennial class
Update.. HES IN THE HALL NOW BABY!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!