Cliff Branch’s speed led to Hall of Fame after long wait


              FILE - Oakland Raiders' Cliff Branch is brought down by Denver Broncos' Bob after picking up nine yards on a pass from quarterback Ken Stabler during the first period of an NFL football game on Dec. 3, 1978, at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Branch was one of the best deep threats of his era to earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)
            
              FILE - Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch, right, catches a pass from quarterback Jim Plunkett for a 64-yard gain as Cleveland Browns' Hanford Dixon defends during the first quarter of an NFL football playoff game in Los Angeles, on Jan. 8, 1983. Branch was one of the best deep threats of his era to earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/File)