Deion Branch

Anthony Deion Branch Jr. grew up in Albany, a small city in south Georgia, where his athletic talent was evident on both the football field and track at Monroe Comprehensive High School. Despite his abilities, he received little attention from major college programs and began his college career at Jones County Junior College in Mississippi. There, Branch blossomed into an All-American receiver, catching the eye of Louisville head coach John L. Smith, who offered him a scholarship. At Louisville, Branch wasted no time making an impact, earning First-Team All-Conference USA honors in 2000 and 2001 while posting back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. His college dominance made it clear to NFL scouts that Branch was ready to challenge defenses at the next level.

Branch’s stellar college career paved the way for his selection by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact. In just the fourth game of his rookie season, Branch hauled in 13 catches against the San Diego Chargers, the second-most ever by a rookie in a single NFL game. He followed up with an even stronger sophomore campaign, capped by a standout performance in Super Bowl XXXVIII, where he caught 10 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ win over the Carolina Panthers. His crucial 17-yard catch on the final drive helped set up the game-winning 41-yard field goal. With his sharp routes, quick release, and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, Branch quickly became one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets.

In 2006, a contract dispute led to Branch being traded to the Seattle Seahawks. However, injuries limited his time in Seattle, and he was unable to replicate the breakout moments he had in New England. In October 2010, Branch was traded back to the Patriots, reuniting with Brady and recapturing the connection that made him a key piece of New England’s offense.

His defining moment came in Super Bowl XXXIX, where he was named MVP after a record-tying 11-catch, 133-yard performance. Branch was the first wide receiver to win the honor since 1989. Known for his clutch postseason performances, Branch recorded 24 receptions in back-to-back Super Bowls, tying the record for most catches in consecutive Super Bowls at the time. In January 2016, ESPN honored Branch by naming him one of the Top 50 Super Bowl players of all-time.

Following his NFL career, Branch dedicated himself to mentoring young athletes and giving back to the community. He established the Deion Branch Charitable Foundation, which supports children dealing with mental health issues and works to raise awareness and funding for brain injury research, inspired by his son Deiondre’s battle with meningitis.

Branch also returned to the University of Louisville, where he completed his degree and later served as the Director of Player Development and Alumni Relations for the Cardinals football program. In 2022, he stepped in as interim head coach for Louisville in the Fenway Bowl, the Cardinals won the bowl game 24-7 and Branch ended his interim head coaching career 1-0. He is currently the wide receivers coach for the Cardinals.

Profile photo from Alchetron, the frww social encyclopedia. Images licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Biography by Chris Aldridge.