Raiders Opinion: This Hall Of Fame Game Carries Greater Weight -

When the family of Cliff Branch gives his Hall of Fame induction speech, the Raiders will officially kick off the start of a hopeful playoff journey.

The “dog days” of the 2022 summer have been a bit more grueling than usual for Raiders fans as they wait for the debut of Davante Adams in the Silver and Black. Yet, the wait is coming to an end. Like the groundhog seeing its shadow on February 2nd signifying the coming end of winter, the NFL’s Hall of Fame game signals a new season.

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Where The Points Don’t Matter

Although the result of the game holds little regard. However, this Hall of Fame game carries more significance for fans of the Raiders. The teams for the Hall of Fame game are selected based on the year’s Hall of Fame inductees (hence the name), and the Las Vegas Raiders earned the honor to participate due to Cliff Branch finally making his way to Canton.

Raider Lifer

Branch played for the Raiders his entire 14-year career, and led the team to three Super Bowl victories. Along the way, he earned three first-team All-Pro nods. The former University of Colorado sprinter also set playoff records for career receptions (72) and yards (1289). However, despite his resume clearly meeting the qualifications of an invitation to the Hall of Fame, Branch was awarded the honor posthumously, following his passing in 2019.

Different Internal Meaning

To many, especially outside of Raider Nation, the 2022 Hall of Fame game is nothing more than a low-intensity scrimmage for players teetering on the cut line to showcase their talents, but it should (and most likely will) be brought to the attention of viewers that the Raiders entry into this game is an honoring of one of the original Raider greats. It is not entirely uncommon for the passing of a former player to shine light on an already impressive career, but what changed from 2018 until now? What criteria did Branch not meet then that he does now?

Bittersweet

While it must be an honor for his family to see his career finally recognized as Hall of Fame caliber, would it not have been more of an honor for Branch to experience it himself? Although “better late than never” may ring true, Mr. Branch needed to stand at that podium during his life.

Mr. Branch Enters Football Valhalla

With his induction into the Hall of Fame, Branch will go down in history. But, his legacy should be significantly more well known. Additionally, his performances in the playoffs, en route to bringing the only three Super Bowls the Raiders claim to the Nation, should be far more prevalent in discussions regarding Raiders legends of the past, and the Hall of Fame game could be a great way to get that ball rolling.