Cliff Branch continues to make history, as on Sunday, he became the first posthumous Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee to receive a Ring of Excellence.
Under previous policy, the Hall of Fame distributed rings – "one of three iconic symbols of membership in the sport of pro football's most exclusive club" – solely to those living at the time of their enshrinement.
The drive to change to Hall's policy was championed in part by Raiders Owner Mark Davis, with rings for members elected posthumously now to be distributed to a spouse, an adult child or a parent.
The 14K gold ring features an intricate design of diamonds that create a football-shaped center, set in a blue gemstone that represents confidence and integrity. Each ring is customized to echo each Hall of Famer's individual career and also includes a special engraving inside with their respective enshrinee number.
Branch's sister, Elaine Anderson, accepted the former wide receiver's ring from Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter during a special halftime ceremony at the Raiders' Week 13 matchup against the Chargers. A group of Raiders Hall of Famers were also in attendance to celebrate Branch's achievements.
In addition to halftime, Anderson lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch pregame to commemorate Branch's enshrinement.
A fourth-round selection in the 1972 NFL Draft, Branch spent all 14 seasons of his career as a Raider, totaling 8,685 receiving yards, 501 catches and 67 touchdowns in that span. He led the Raiders in receiving yards six times and in touchdown receptions five times. He remains third all-time in franchise history in career catches, touchdowns and receiving yards – behind Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Fred Biletnikoff.
Journey through Branch's career with our interactive retrospective.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tashawn Bower (96) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) and safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27), defensive end Chandler Jones (55) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 20-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates with tight end Foster Moreau (87) after rushing for a 20-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates with teammates after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates with fans after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a 45-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a 45-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (94) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) and linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jacob Hollister (88), linebacker Luke Masterson (59), running back Brandon Bolden (34) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 25-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Matthias Farley (41) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) and defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and defensive end Chandler Jones (55) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and defensive end Chandler Jones (55) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and Head Coach Josh McDaniels in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
