Raiders Legend and Former All-Pro Receiver Cliff Branch Dead at 71

Legendary former Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch died Saturday.

He was 71.

His cause of death was not immediately known, and the Raiders have not made a formal announcement. Several close to Branch have confirmed his passing.

Branch was one of the NFL's most dynamic receiving threats, and he spent his entire career with the Silver and Black. He was a three-time Super Bowl champion and a three-time All-Pro, and Branch also played in four Pro Bowls.

He finished an illustrious career with 501 receptions for 8,655 yards and 67 touchdowns, averaging an astonishing 17.3 yards per catch. Many consider his career worthy of induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Branch was an energetic fun-loving personality who always was a fan favorite. He remained active with the Raiders after retiring in 1985, and was extremely close friends with owner Mark Davis.