Cliff Branch’s sister to deliver late Raiders legend’s Hall of Fame induction speech with ‘mixed emotions’

When discussing her late brother missing the cut for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s centennial class, Elaine Anderson fought back tears. Two years later, she cried tears of joy as her brother, former Raiders receiver Cliff Branch, was named as a member of the 2022 induction class. 

Anderson, who will deliver her bother’s induction speech during Saturday’s ceremony, shared what it felt like upon receiving a phone call that her family had waited decades to receive. Branch, who died in 2019 at age 71, had been eligible for induction since 1991. Branch was ultimately selected as a senior inductee, which is reserved for players who played at least 25 years ago. 

“I was very emotional,” Anderson told CBS Sports shortly after arriving in Canton, Ohio. “I tried to contain myself and not cry, but I just could not help it. It was tears of joy. I was very emotional and very excited and happy for Clifford. 

“I really had mixed emotions. Sad, because this is what Clifford always wanted, and now he’s not here for this grand event that he longed for. So it was very emotional … but I’m glad he’s in now, and that’s the main thing.” 

Anderson feels that her brother would have had a similar reaction had he received the call from Hall of Fame president Jim Porter. 

“I think he would have had mixed emotions, too,” she said. “I think he would have been laughing, upbeat, excited, but I also think he would have broke down and cried tears of joy, like it’s finally happening.” 

Branch provided joy for millions of Raiders fans throughout his 14-year career. A member of the 1970s All-Decade Team, Branch led the NFL in receiving yards once and in touchdown receptions on multiple…