On the heels of legendary Raiders coach Tom Flores not being selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Branch is posthumously insulted in again being passed over for an honor he so richly deserves.
Injustice takes many forms but when it comes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Raiders like the late Cliff Branch has become a shining example of how the selection process and the criteria for enshrinement are broken.
With an extended class to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the NFL in 2020, many thought both Branch and Flores would finally earn the place in immortality they so clearly deserve. Instead, Branch’s family (Cliff passed away this past August) is left disappointed and bewildered at his continued omission.
In no way should it take away from others being honored but Branch should be in the Hall and for the life of me I can’t understand why – especially with this expanded class – he didn’t make the cut.
Harold Carmichael Gets in But Not Branch? (Next>>>>)
Let’s use the example of former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver/tight end Harold Carmichael who was selected today.
While Carmichael edges Branch statistically in some areas, their numbers are similar. Carmichael does not have the three Super Bowl rings.
| Statistics | Branch | Carmichael |
| Games | 183 | 182 |
| Receptions | 501 | 590 |
| Yards | 8685 | 8985 |
| Yards per Rec | 17.3 | 15.2 |
| TDs | 67 | 79 |
| Pro Bowls | 4 | 4 |
| Super Bowl Champ | 3 | 0 |
Mindboggling how Branch continues to be ignored and slighted by the Hall of Fame.
And while I heard from years about how the NFL and pro football treats the Raiders organization, its players and personnel differently, this is another example of how it’s absolutely a confirmed bias.
Despite overwhelming evidence and support for the election of Tom Flores, who’s numbers are better than recently selected HOF coach Bill Cowher, he too was snubbed. Ignored not only his accomplishments on the field as a coach and racial pioneer in the game, also turned away because of the Silver and Black.
There is no legitimate justification for Cliff Branch not to be in the Hall of Fame. I only wish Al Davis was here to eviscerate this sham of an institution.
I only had the pleasure of knowing Cliff Branch for a short time and during media events here in Las Vegas. And even though he’d be disappointed knowing he did enough to earn the honor, I know Cliff would shrug it off and say something about the reason being that he was a Raider. He loved being a part of the Raiders and that would never change.
Still, for Cliff’s family, and Raider Nation, this slap in the face is one that stings a little more this morning.