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Cliff Branch passes away at 71, Buffaloes remember him

The Hall of Famer passed on Saturday night.

Pittsburgh Steelers v Los Angeles Raiders Photo by George Rose/Getty Images

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and track star Cliff Branch passed away Saturday at the age of 71.

Branch played two years at Colorado and finished with 36 receptions for 665 yards and eight touchdowns (3 receiving, 5 rushing). He also combined for eight touchdowns on punt and kick returns, an NCAA record at the time.

In addition to his prowess on the gridiron, Branch was an elite sprinter on the track where he set a number of school records. His 10.0 second 100-meter dash at the 1972 NCAA Outdoor Championships remains the school record to this day.

After wrapping up his career in Boulder, Branch was selected in the fourth round (98th overall) of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. In 14 seasons, all with the Raiders, he played in 183 games, caught 501 passes for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns. He won three Super Bowl rings (1976, ’80 and ’83) with the Raiders and was a four-time NFL Pro Bowl selection.

Branch left a huge impact on those around him and they have mourned his passing:

If you have any thoughts or memories about Cliff, feel free to share.