The Oakland Raiders lost a legend on Saturday with Cliff Branch passing away, and on Sunday Jon Gruden paid tribute to the former wide receiver. During Sunday's practice Derek Carr, Tyrell Williams, Vontaze Burfict and Lamarcus Joyner all wore number 21 to honor him, and Gruden said that he remembers him as a great ambassador for the team and how he always was upbeat.
“Cliff Branch’s passing is a terrible loss for the Raiders, to football and everyone who knew him,” Gruden said after practice via NBC Sports. “Some of our players paid tribute to him, and our prayers are with his family. It’s a big loss for us.
“He’s a good friend of mine and always has been over the years. He’s a good friend to everybody. I never saw Cliff Branch when he was down. He was always upbeat. He was a great player, and I think our guys had a good respect for who he was.”
Branch played in the league from 1972-1985, and he was best known for his blazing speed that he used to torch opposing defenses. Gruden put on old film of Branch and Raiders players were impressed with what they saw.
“He made some crazy catches, that most people can’t do,” rookie running back Josh Jacobs said. “That was the most impressive thing. And the speed. He was fast.”
Branch still isn't in the Hall of Fame, but Gruden thinks that is something that should be considered and hopes one day his bust will be in Canton, Ohio.
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