Branch To Have Jersey Honored Versus Memphis
August 30, 2010 | Football
Aug. 30, 2010
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- - Former University of Louisville wide receiver Deion Branch will have his jersey honored at the Cardinals' homecoming contest versus Memphis on Oct. 9.
Branch will have his No. 9 jersey honored against the Tigers, and is the 18th former Cardinal to have his jersey recognized by the school. He number is already listed on the honored jersey banners on the east side of the stadium.
"Deion deserves this tremendous honor," said Vice-President/Director of Athletics Tom Jurich. "He was an exciting and dynamic player with the football in his hands, and accomplished a lot of great things at U of L and in the pros. He was so fun to watch. Along with a lot of other great players at this University over the years, Deion was one of the first pioneers to help put this football program on the map."
The former junior-college standout, played for the Cardinals from 2000-01. Despite playing just two seasons, Branch put up remarkable numbers. He stands seventh all-time in receiving yards with 2,204, ninth with 143 receptions and tied for fourth with 18 touchdowns.
Branch registered his best season in 2001 when he caught 72 passes for 1,188 and nine scores. He also caught 71 passes for 1,016 yards and nine scores in his initial years with the Cardinals.
Coming out of Louisville, Branch was originally drafted by New England in the second-round (65th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played four years with the Patriots and is in his fifth with the Seahawks.
A native of Albany, Ga., Branch made his name in the post-season, totaling 21 receptions in two Super Bowls (XXXVIII, XXXIX). He recorded a game-high 10 receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots' 32-29 Super Bowl XXXVIII victory over the Carolina Panthers. He was named the Super Bowl MVP after tying a Super Bowl record with 11 receptions in the Patriots' 24-21 victory over the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.
