Alan Branch: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
m Formatting
(42 intermediate revisions by 28 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American football player (born 1984)}}
⚫
{{Infobox NFL player
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
⚫
{{Infobox NFL biography
|image=Alan Branch 2015.JPG
|image=Alan Branch 2015.JPG
|caption=Branch with the New England Patriots in 2015
|caption=Branch with the New England Patriots in 2015
|number= 78, 99, 97, 90
|current_team = Free agent
|number=
|position=[[Defensive tackle]]
|position=[[Defensive tackle]]
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1984|12|29|mf=y}}
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1984|12|29|mf=y}}
|birth_place=[[Rio Rancho, New Mexico]]
|birth_place=[[Rio Rancho, New Mexico]], U.S.
|height_ft = 6
|height_ft = 6
|height_in = 6
|height_in = 6
|weight_lbs = 350
|weight_lbs = 350
|high_school = [[Cibola High School (Albuquerque, New Mexico)|Albuquerque (NM) Cibola]]
|high_school = [[Cibola High School (New Mexico)|Cibola]]<br>([[Albuquerque, New Mexico]])
|college=[[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]]
|college=[[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]] (2004–2006)
|draftyear=2007
|draftyear=2007
|draftround=2
|draftround=2
Line 20: Line 21:
* [[Buffalo Bills]] ({{NFL Year|2013}})
* [[Buffalo Bills]] ({{NFL Year|2013}})
* [[New England Patriots]] ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})
* [[New England Patriots]] ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})
* [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] ({{NFL Year|2018}}-present)
|status=
|status=
|highlights=
|highlights=
* 2x [[Super Bowl]] Champion ([[Super Bowl XLIX|XLIX]], [[Super Bowl LI|LI]])
* 2× [[Super Bowl]] champion ([[Super Bowl XLIX|XLIX]], [[Super Bowl LI|LI]])
* Second-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[2006 College Football All-America Team|2006]])
* [[Big Ten Conference|All-Big Ten]] First Team (2006)
* First-team [[List of All-Big Ten Conference football teams|All-Big Ten]] ([[2006 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2006]])
* [[ESPN]] All-American (2006)
|statweek=
|statweek=
|statseason=2017
|statseason=
|statlabel1=[[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]]
|statlabel1=[[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]]
|statvalue1=279
|statvalue1=284
|statlabel2=[[Quarterback sack|Sacks]]
|statlabel2=[[Quarterback sack|Sacks]]
|statvalue2=10.5
|statvalue2=10.5
|statlabel3=[[Fumble|Forced fumbles]]
|statlabel3=[[Fumble|Forced fumbles]]
|statvalue3=5
|statvalue3=4
|statlabel4=[[Fumble|Fumble recoveries]]
|statlabel4=[[Fumble|Fumble recoveries]]
|statvalue4=1
|statvalue4=1
|statlabel5=[[Pass deflections]]
|statlabel5=[[Pass deflections]]
|statvalue5=14
|statvalue5=14
|nfl=alan-branch
|nflnew=alanbranch/2495561
|pfr=BranAl99
}}
}}


'''Alan Keith Branch''' (born December 29, 1984) is an [[American football]] [[defensive tackle]] for the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]]. . He was drafted by the [[Arizona Cardinals]] in the second round of the [[2007 NFL Draft]] and has also played for the [[Seattle Seahawks]], [[Buffalo Bills]], and [[New England Patriots]]. He played [[college football]] at [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]].
'''Alan Keith Branch''' (born December 29, 1984) is a former [[American football]] [[defensive tackle]]. He was drafted by the [[Arizona Cardinals]] in the second round of the [[2007 NFL Draft]] and has also played for the [[Seattle Seahawks]], [[Buffalo Bills]], and [[New England Patriots]]. He played [[college football]] at [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]].


==Early years==
==Early years==
Branch attended [[Cibola High School (Albuquerque, New Mexico)|Cibola High School]] in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.abqjournal.com/998262/cibola-welcomes-alan-branch-back-home-inducts-him-into-athletic-hall-of-fame.html |title=Cibola welcomes Alan Branch back home, inducts him into athletic hall of fame |last=Yodice |first=James |work=Albuquerque Journal |access-date=2017-12-29 |language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to playing on the [[defensive line]], Branch also played [[tight end]] as well as [[running back]] and [[punt returner]] in [[high school football|high school]]. He scored three rushing [[touchdowns]] and two receiving touchdowns in his senior season and five punt return touchdowns for his career.
Branch attended [[Cibola High School (Albuquerque, New Mexico)|Cibola High School]] in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.abqjournal.com/998262/cibola-welcomes-alan-branch-back-home-inducts-him-into-athletic-hall-of-fame.html |title=Cibola welcomes Alan Branch back home, inducts him into athletic hall of fame |last=Yodice |first=James |work=Albuquerque Journal |access-date=December 29, 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to playing on the [[defensive line]], Branch also played [[tight end]] as well as [[running back]] and [[punt returner]] in [[high school football|high school]]. He scored three rushing [[touchdowns]] and two receiving touchdowns in his senior season and five punt return touchdowns for his career.


Branch was a fairly highly regarded recruit coming out of high school, ranked as high as #6 nationally among defensive tackles.
Branch was a fairly highly regarded recruit coming out of high school, ranked as high as #6 nationally among defensive tackles.


Branch was also a three-year starter on the varsity basketball team, earning all-district honors as a sophomore and was second team all-state as a junior.
Branch was also a three-year starter on the varsity basketball team, earning all-district honors as a sophomore and was second-team all-state as a junior.


===High school awards===
===High school awards===
Line 54: Line 55:
*Gatorade Player of the Year in New Mexico
*Gatorade Player of the Year in New Mexico
*All-State as a junior and senior
*All-State as a junior and senior
* On May 3rd, 2017, Branch was inducted to the Cibola High School Hall of Fame
* On May 3, 2017, Branch was inducted to the Cibola High School Hall of Fame


==College career==
==College career==
Branch, along with fellow defensive all-star [[LaMarr Woodley]], anchored one of the best defenses in college football in 2006. He had 57 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in 35 career games at Michigan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/alan-branch-1/gamelog/ |title=Alan Branch Career Game Log |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref> He had his first interception and a fumble recovery against Ohio State on November 18, 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-11-18-ohio-state.html |title=Michigan at Ohio State Box Score, November 18, 2006 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref> Branch played both defensive tackle and [[defensive end]] at Michigan.
Branch, along with fellow defensive all-star [[LaMarr Woodley]], anchored one of the best defenses in college football in 2006. He had 57 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in 35 career games at Michigan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/alan-branch-1/gamelog/ |title=Alan Branch Career Game Log |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=December 29, 2017}}</ref> He had his first interception and a fumble recovery against Ohio State on November 18, 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-11-18-ohio-state.html |title=Michigan at Ohio State Box Score, November 18, 2006 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=December 29, 2017}}</ref> Branch played both defensive tackle and [[defensive end]] at Michigan.


He earned the following accolades while at Michigan:
He earned the following accolades while at Michigan:
*2006 ESPN.com All-American Team
*2006 ESPN.com All-American Team
*2006 All-Big Ten Conference First Team (coaches and media)
*2006 All-Big Ten Conference First-team (coaches and media)


==Professional career==
==Professional career==
Line 80: Line 81:
| arm span = 34 1/8
| arm span = 34 1/8
| hand span = 10}}
| hand span = 10}}

===Arizona Cardinals===
===Arizona Cardinals===
Branch was drafted by the [[Arizona Cardinals]] with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the [[2007 NFL Draft]]. The Cardinals acquired the pick from the [[Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/draft.htm |title=2007 NFL Draft Listing |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref> In the [[2008 NFL season]], the Cardinals reached [[Super Bowl XLIII]], but lost 27-23 to the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]].
Branch was drafted by the [[Arizona Cardinals]] with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the [[2007 NFL Draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Cardinals acquired the pick from the [[Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/draft.htm |title=2007 NFL Draft Listing |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=December 29, 2017}}</ref> In the [[2008 NFL season]], the Cardinals reached [[Super Bowl XLIII]], but lost 27–23 to the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]].


===Seattle Seahawks===
===Seattle Seahawks===
Line 88: Line 90:


===Buffalo Bills===
===Buffalo Bills===
Branch signed a one-year contract with the [[Buffalo Bills]] on April 2, 2013.<ref>[http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/DT-Alan-Branch-signs-with-Buffalo/f596576c-777e-49aa-84c4-3e0642331bc7 DT Alan Branch signs with Buffalo]</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=NFL.com|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000156650/article/alan-branch-signs-oneyear-contract-with-buffalo-bills|title=Alan Branch signs one-year contract with Buffalo Bills|first=Dan|last=Hanzus|date=April 2, 2013|accessdate=2014-07-25}}</ref>
Branch signed a one-year contract with the [[Buffalo Bills]] on April 2, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/DT-Alan-Branch-signs-with-Buffalo/f596576c-777e-49aa-84c4-3e0642331bc7 |title=DT Alan Branch signs with Buffalo |access-date=April 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406011342/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/DT-Alan-Branch-signs-with-Buffalo/f596576c-777e-49aa-84c4-3e0642331bc7 |archive-date=April 6, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=NFL.com|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000156650/article/alan-branch-signs-oneyear-contract-with-buffalo-bills|title=Alan Branch signs one-year contract with Buffalo Bills|first=Dan|last=Hanzus|date=April 2, 2013|access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref>


On December 23, 2013, Branch signed a multi-year contract extension with the Bills.<ref>[http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/DL-Alan-Branch-signs-extension-with-Bills/72db05dd-5f02-4b23-828b-cc5d75f28094?campaign=tw_buf_article DL Alan Branch signs extension with Bills]</ref>
On December 23, 2013, Branch signed a multi-year contract extension with the Bills.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/DL-Alan-Branch-signs-extension-with-Bills/72db05dd-5f02-4b23-828b-cc5d75f28094 |title=DL Alan Branch signs extension with Bills |access-date=December 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103827/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/DL-Alan-Branch-signs-extension-with-Bills/72db05dd-5f02-4b23-828b-cc5d75f28094?campaign=tw_buf_article |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


On August 24, 2014, one day after being arrested for a DUI, Branch was cut from the team.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bills-cut-dt-alan-branch-one-day-after-dui-charge/ |title=Bills cut DT Alan Branch, one day after DUI charge |last=Breech |first=John |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref>
On August 24, 2014, one day after being arrested for a DUI, Branch was cut from the team.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bills-cut-dt-alan-branch-one-day-after-dui-charge/ |title=Bills cut DT Alan Branch, one day after DUI charge |last=Breech |first=John |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |access-date=December 29, 2017}}</ref>


===New England Patriots===
===New England Patriots===
On October 21, 2014, it was reported that Branch had signed a 1-year deal with the [[New England Patriots]]. The team officially announced the signing on October 29. On February 1, 2015, Branch won his first Super Bowl, defeating his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, by a score of 28–24.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201502010sea.htm |title=Super Bowl XLIX - Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots - February 1st, 2015 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref>
On October 21, 2014, it was reported that Branch had signed a 1-year deal with the [[New England Patriots]]. The team officially announced the signing on October 29. On February 1, 2015, Branch won his first Super Bowl, defeating his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, by a score of 28–24.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201502010sea.htm |title=Super Bowl XLIX - Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots - February 1st, 2015 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=December 29, 2017}}</ref>


On March 15, 2015, Branch re-signed with the Patriots on a two-year deal worth a maximum of $6.6 million.<ref>[http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/12484955/new-england-patriots-re-sign-alan-branch-2-year-deal Agent: Alan Branch back with Patriots]</ref>
On March 15, 2015, Branch re-signed with the Patriots on a two-year deal worth a maximum of $6.6 million.<ref>[http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/12484955/new-england-patriots-re-sign-alan-branch-2-year-deal Agent: Alan Branch back with Patriots]</ref>


On November 21, 2016, Branch was notified that he was facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on substance abuse but did not have to serve any games after the league rescinded the suspension before his appeal was even heard.<ref>{{cite web|title=Patriots' Alan Branch facing four-game suspension|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000744008/article/patriots-alan-branch-suspended-for-substance-violation?campaign=Twitter_atn|author=Shook, Nick|website=NFL.com|date=November 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Patriots' Alan Branch has suspension rescinded|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000750110/article/alan-branchs-suspension-rescinded?campaign=Twitter_atn|author=Shook, Nick|website=NFL.com|date=December 3, 2016}}</ref> Branch helped the Patriots win 14 games and earn the top seed for the AFC playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2016.htm |title=2016 New England Patriots Statistics & Players |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref>
On November 21, 2016, Branch was notified that he was facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on substance abuse but did not have to serve any games after the league rescinded the suspension before his appeal was even heard.<ref>{{cite web|title=Patriots' Alan Branch facing four-game suspension|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000744008/article/patriots-alan-branch-suspended-for-substance-violation|author=Shook, Nick|website=NFL.com|date=November 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Patriots' Alan Branch has suspension rescinded|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000750110/article/alan-branchs-suspension-rescinded|author=Shook, Nick|website=NFL.com|date=December 3, 2016}}</ref> Branch helped the Patriots win 14 games and earn the top seed for the AFC playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2016.htm |title=2016 New England Patriots Statistics & Players |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=December 29, 2017}}</ref>


On February 5, 2017, Branch was part of the Patriots team that won [[Super Bowl LI]]. In the game, the Patriots defeated the [[2016 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] by a score of 34–28 in overtime.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm|title=Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons - February 5th, 2017|work=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|accessdate=2 September 2017}}</ref> The Patriots trailed 28–3 in the third quarter, but rallied all the way back to win the game, which featured the first overtime game in Super Bowl history and the largest comeback in the Super Bowl. Branch recorded three tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a crucial fumble recovery in the game.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wesseling|first1=Chris|title=New England Patriots win Super Bowl LI|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000783692/article/patriots-erase-deficit-defeat-falcons-in-super-bowl-li|publisher=NFL|accessdate=February 5, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.patriots.com/sites/patriots.com/files/20170205_gamebook_v2.pdf|title=Super Bowl LI - National Football League Game Summary|work=National Football League|accessdate=6 August 2017}}</ref>
On February 5, 2017, Branch was part of the Patriots team that won [[Super Bowl LI]]. In the game, the Patriots defeated the [[2016 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] by a score of 34–28 in overtime.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm|title=Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons - February 5th, 2017|work=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|access-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref> The Patriots trailed 28–3 in the third quarter, but rallied all the way back to win the game, which featured the first overtime game in Super Bowl history and the largest comeback in the Super Bowl. Branch recorded three tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a crucial fumble recovery in the game.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wesseling|first1=Chris|title=New England Patriots win Super Bowl LI|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000783692/article/patriots-erase-deficit-defeat-falcons-in-super-bowl-li|publisher=NFL|access-date=February 5, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.patriots.com/sites/patriots.com/files/20170205_gamebook_v2.pdf|title=Super Bowl LI - National Football League Game Summary|work=National Football League|access-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807031311/http://www.patriots.com/sites/patriots.com/files/20170205_gamebook_v2.pdf|archive-date=August 7, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>


On March 9, 2017, Branch signed a two-year, $12 million contract extension with the Patriots.<ref>{{cite web|title=Patriots check off important part of to-do list with Alan Branch deal|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4801614/re-signing-alan-branch-helps-patriots-check-off-important-part-of-to-do-list|author=Reiss, Mike|website=ESPN.com|date=March 9, 2017}}</ref> Branch played 12 games in the 2017 season and recorded 12 tackles. Branch was inactive for the playoffs, but the Patriots still made it to the Super Bowl without him only to fall to the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in [[Super Bowl LII]].
On March 9, 2017, Branch signed a two-year, $12 million contract extension with the Patriots.<ref>{{cite web|title=Patriots check off important part of to-do list with Alan Branch deal|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4801614/re-signing-alan-branch-helps-patriots-check-off-important-part-of-to-do-list|author=Reiss, Mike|website=ESPN.com|date=March 9, 2017}}</ref> Branch played 12 games in the 2017 season and recorded 12 tackles. Branch was inactive for the playoffs, but the Patriots still made it to the Super Bowl without him only to fall to the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in [[Super Bowl LII]].


On March 6, 2018, the Patriots declined the option on Branch's contract, making him a free agent in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Patriots Won’t Pick Up Alan Branch’s Contract Option, Freeing Up Cap Room|url=https://nesn.com/2018/03/patriots-wont-pick-up-alan-branchs-contract-option-freeing-up-cap-room/|author=Kyed, Doug|website=NESN.com|date=March 6, 2018}}</ref>
On March 6, 2018, the Patriots declined the option on Branch's contract, making him a free agent in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Patriots Won't Pick Up Alan Branch's Contract Option, Freeing Up Cap Room|url=https://nesn.com/2018/03/patriots-wont-pick-up-alan-branchs-contract-option-freeing-up-cap-room/|author=Kyed, Doug|website=NESN.com|date=March 6, 2018}}</ref>

⚫
==NFL career statistics==


⚫
===NFL statistics===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
! Year !! Team !! GP !! COMB !! TOTAL !! AST !! SACK !! FF !! FR !! FR YDS !! INT !! IR YDS !! AVG IR !! LNG !! TD !! PD
! Year !! Team !! GP !! Comb !! Solo !! Asst !! Sack !! FF !! FR !! Yds !! Int !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! PD
|-
|-
| [[2007 NFL season|2007]] || [[2007 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]] || 11 || 9 || 8 || 1 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
! [[2007 NFL season|2007]] || [[2007 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]]
| 11 || 9 || 8 || 1 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
|-
| [[2008 NFL season|2008]] || [[2008 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]] || 4 || 6 || 5 || 1 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
! [[2008 NFL season|2008]] || [[2008 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]]
| 4 || 6 || 5 || 1 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
|-
| [[2009 NFL season|2009]] || [[2009 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]] || 16 || 18 || 14 || 4 || 2.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2
! [[2009 NFL season|2009]] || [[2009 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]]
| 16 || 18 || 14 || 4 || 2.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2
|-
|-
| [[2010 NFL season|2010]] || [[2010 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]] || 16 || 35 || 27 || 8 || 2.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1
! [[2010 NFL season|2010]] || [[2010 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]]
| 16 || 35 || 27 || 8 || 2.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1
|-
|-
| [[2011 NFL season|2011]] || [[2011 Seattle Seahawks season|SEA]] || 15 || 34 || 21 || 13 || 3.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2
! [[2011 NFL season|2011]] || [[2011 Seattle Seahawks season|SEA]]
| 15 || 34 || 21 || 13 || 3.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2
|-
|-
| [[2012 NFL season|2012]] || [[2012 Seattle Seahawks season|SEA]] || 16 || 29 || 16 || 13 || 1.0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2
! [[2012 NFL season|2012]] || [[2012 Seattle Seahawks season|SEA]]
| 16 || 29 || 16 || 13 || 1.0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2
|-
|-
| [[2013 NFL season|2013]] || [[2013 Buffalo Bills season|BUF]] || 16 || 39 || 21 || 18 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1
! [[2013 NFL season|2013]] || [[2013 Buffalo Bills season|BUF]]
| 16 || 39 || 21 || 18 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1
|-
|-
| [[2014 NFL season|2014]] || [[2014 New England Patriots season|NE]] || 8 || 13 || 8 || 5 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1
! [[2014 NFL season|2014]] || [[2014 New England Patriots season|NE]]
| 8 || 13 || 8 || 5 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1
|-
|-
| [[2015 NFL season|2015]] || [[2015 New England Patriots season|NE]] || 16 || 35 || 22 || 13 || 1.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2
! [[2015 NFL season|2015]] || [[2015 New England Patriots season|NE]]
| 16 || 35 || 22 || 13 || 1.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2
|-
|-
| [[2016 NFL season|2016]] || [[2016 New England Patriots season|NE]] || 16 || 49 || 26 || 23 || 1.5 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3
! [[2016 NFL season|2016]] || [[2016 New England Patriots season|NE]]
| 16 || 49 || 26 || 23 || 1.5 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3
|-
|-
| [[2017 NFL season|2017]] || [[2017 New England Patriots season|NE]] || 12 || 12 || 12 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
! [[2017 NFL season|2017]] || [[2017 New England Patriots season|NE]]
| 12 || 12 || 12 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
|-
! colspan="2"| Career || 146 || 279 || 180 || 99 || 10.5 || 5 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 15
! colspan="2"| Career || 146 || 279 || 180 || 99 || 10.5 || 5 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 15
|}<ref name=ESPN>{{cite web|title=Alan Branch Stats|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/10477/alan-branch|website=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|accessdate=30 December 2014}}</ref>
|}<ref name=ESPN>{{cite web|title=Alan Branch Stats|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/10477/alan-branch|website=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=December 30, 2014}}</ref>

'''Key'''
* '''GP''': games played
* '''COMB''': combined tackles
* '''TOTAL''': total tackles
* '''AST''': assisted tackles
* '''SACK''': sacks
* '''FF''': forced fumbles
* '''FR''': fumble recoveries
* '''FR YDS''': fumble return yards
* '''INT''': interceptions
* '''IR YDS''': interception return yards
* '''AVG IR''': average interception return
* '''LNG''': longest interception return
* '''TD''': interceptions returned for touchdown
* '''PD''': passes defensed


==References==
==References==
Line 157: Line 155:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.patriots.com/team/players/roster/alan-branch New England Patriots bio]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20151224124516/http://www.patriots.com/team/players/roster/alan-branch New England Patriots bio]
*[http://www.buffalobills.com/team/roster/Alan-Branch/4dbde3c8-cc2c-4612-8b33-a9fe5a356c0c Buffalo Bills bio]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131211052957/http://www.buffalobills.com/team/roster/alan-branch/4dbde3c8-cc2c-4612-8b33-a9fe5a356c0c/ Buffalo Bills bio]


{{Cardinals2007DraftPicks}}
{{Cardinals2007DraftPicks}}
Line 168: Line 166:
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Rio Rancho, New Mexico]]
[[Category:People from Rio Rancho, New Mexico]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Albuquerque, New Mexico]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Albuquerque, New Mexico]]
⚫
[[Category:Players of American football from New Mexico]]
⚫
[[Category:African-American players of American football]]
[[Category:American football defensive tackles]]
[[Category:American football defensive tackles]]
[[Category:Michigan Wolverines football players]]
[[Category:Michigan Wolverines football players]]
Line 177: Line 173:
[[Category:Buffalo Bills players]]
[[Category:Buffalo Bills players]]
[[Category:New England Patriots players]]
[[Category:New England Patriots players]]
[[Category:Super Bowl champions]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
⚫
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportspeople]]
⚫
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bernalillo County, New Mexico]]
[[Category:Cibola High School alumni]]

Revision as of 21:13, 12 April 2024

Alan Branch
refer to caption
Branch with the New England Patriots in 2015
No. 78, 99, 97, 90
Position:Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1984-12-29) December 29, 1984 (age 39)
Rio Rancho, New Mexico, U.S.
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:350 lb (159 kg)
Career information
High school:Cibola
(Albuquerque, New Mexico)
College:Michigan (2004–2006)
NFL draft:2007 / Round: 2 / Pick: 33
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:284
Sacks:10.5
Forced fumbles:4
Fumble recoveries:1
Pass deflections:14
Player stats at PFR

Alan Keith Branch (born December 29, 1984) is a former American football defensive tackle. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft and has also played for the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots. He played college football at Michigan.

Early years

Branch attended Cibola High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.[1] In addition to playing on the defensive line, Branch also played tight end as well as running back and punt returner in high school. He scored three rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns in his senior season and five punt return touchdowns for his career.

Branch was a fairly highly regarded recruit coming out of high school, ranked as high as #6 nationally among defensive tackles.

Branch was also a three-year starter on the varsity basketball team, earning all-district honors as a sophomore and was second-team all-state as a junior.

High school awards

  • Selected to play in 2004 U.S. Army All-American Bowl
  • Gatorade Player of the Year in New Mexico
  • All-State as a junior and senior
  • On May 3, 2017, Branch was inducted to the Cibola High School Hall of Fame

College career

Branch, along with fellow defensive all-star LaMarr Woodley, anchored one of the best defenses in college football in 2006. He had 57 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in 35 career games at Michigan.[2] He had his first interception and a fumble recovery against Ohio State on November 18, 2006.[3] Branch played both defensive tackle and defensive end at Michigan.

He earned the following accolades while at Michigan:

  • 2006 ESPN.com All-American Team
  • 2006 All-Big Ten Conference First-team (coaches and media)

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 6 in
(1.98 m) 		324 lb
(147 kg) 		34+1⁄8 in
(0.87 m) 		10 in
(0.25 m)		 5.07 s 1.75 s 2.92 s 4.79 s 7.56 s 27+1⁄2 in
(0.70 m)		 8 ft 11 in
(2.72 m)		 33 reps

Arizona Cardinals

Branch was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft.[4] The Cardinals acquired the pick from the Oakland Raiders.[5] In the 2008 NFL season, the Cardinals reached Super Bowl XLIII, but lost 27–23 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Seattle Seahawks

Branch in the 2012 preseason with the Seahawks.

The Seattle Seahawks signed Branch to a two-year contract on July 28, 2011.[6]

Buffalo Bills

Branch signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on April 2, 2013.[7][8]

On December 23, 2013, Branch signed a multi-year contract extension with the Bills.[9]

On August 24, 2014, one day after being arrested for a DUI, Branch was cut from the team.[10]

New England Patriots

On October 21, 2014, it was reported that Branch had signed a 1-year deal with the New England Patriots. The team officially announced the signing on October 29. On February 1, 2015, Branch won his first Super Bowl, defeating his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, by a score of 28–24.[11]

On March 15, 2015, Branch re-signed with the Patriots on a two-year deal worth a maximum of $6.6 million.[12]

On November 21, 2016, Branch was notified that he was facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on substance abuse but did not have to serve any games after the league rescinded the suspension before his appeal was even heard.[13][14] Branch helped the Patriots win 14 games and earn the top seed for the AFC playoffs.[15]

On February 5, 2017, Branch was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl LI. In the game, the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28 in overtime.[16] The Patriots trailed 28–3 in the third quarter, but rallied all the way back to win the game, which featured the first overtime game in Super Bowl history and the largest comeback in the Super Bowl. Branch recorded three tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a crucial fumble recovery in the game.[17][18]

On March 9, 2017, Branch signed a two-year, $12 million contract extension with the Patriots.[19] Branch played 12 games in the 2017 season and recorded 12 tackles. Branch was inactive for the playoffs, but the Patriots still made it to the Super Bowl without him only to fall to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.

On March 6, 2018, the Patriots declined the option on Branch's contract, making him a free agent in 2018.[20]

NFL career statistics

Year Team GP Comb Solo Asst Sack FF FR Yds Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2007 ARI 11 9 8 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2008 ARI 4 6 5 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009 ARI 16 18 14 4 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
2010 ARI 16 35 27 8 2.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2011 SEA 15 34 21 13 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
2012 SEA 16 29 16 13 1.0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
2013 BUF 16 39 21 18 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2014 NE 8 13 8 5 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2015 NE 16 35 22 13 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
2016 NE 16 49 26 23 1.5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
2017 NE 12 12 12 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 146 279 180 99 10.5 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 15

[21]

References

  1. ^ Yodice, James. "Cibola welcomes Alan Branch back home, inducts him into athletic hall of fame". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  2. ^ "Alan Branch Career Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  3. ^ "Michigan at Ohio State Box Score, November 18, 2006". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  4. ^ "2007 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  5. ^ "2007 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  6. ^ Confirmed: Seahawks agree to terms with DT Alan Branch
  7. ^ "DT Alan Branch signs with Buffalo". Archived from the original on April 6, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  8. ^ Hanzus, Dan (April 2, 2013). "Alan Branch signs one-year contract with Buffalo Bills". NFL.com. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  9. ^ "DL Alan Branch signs extension with Bills". Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2013.
  10. ^ Breech, John. "Bills cut DT Alan Branch, one day after DUI charge". CBSSports.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  11. ^ "Super Bowl XLIX - Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots - February 1st, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  12. ^ Agent: Alan Branch back with Patriots
  13. ^ Shook, Nick (November 21, 2016). "Patriots' Alan Branch facing four-game suspension". NFL.com.
  14. ^ Shook, Nick (December 3, 2016). "Patriots' Alan Branch has suspension rescinded". NFL.com.
  15. ^ "2016 New England Patriots Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  16. ^ "Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons - February 5th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  17. ^ Wesseling, Chris. "New England Patriots win Super Bowl LI". NFL. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
  18. ^ "Super Bowl LI - National Football League Game Summary" (PDF). National Football League. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  19. ^ Reiss, Mike (March 9, 2017). "Patriots check off important part of to-do list with Alan Branch deal". ESPN.com.
  20. ^ Kyed, Doug (March 6, 2018). "Patriots Won't Pick Up Alan Branch's Contract Option, Freeing Up Cap Room". NESN.com.
  21. ^ "Alan Branch Stats". ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved December 30, 2014.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alan_Branch&oldid=1218631204"