Cliff Branch's family to receive Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence after policy change

• Decision to present iconic symbol of membership in sport’s most exclusive club follows ‘passionate discussions’ with families

CANTON, OHIO – The Pro Football Hall of Fame is revising its policy regarding the presentation of a Ring of Excellence to enshrinees elected posthumously. Previously, the Hall issued a ring — one of three iconic symbols of membership in the sport of pro football’s most exclusive club — only to individuals alive at the time of enshrinement with their class.

Under the new policy, those members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame elected posthumously receiving a ring are those who are survived by a spouse, an adult child or a parent. Instances where a court decree designates another family member as the legal representative of the deceased enshrinee also will be considered.

“The decision to present these rings, quite simply, is the right thing to do,” said Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “It follows several passionate discussions with friends and family members of deceased Hall of Famers. The Hall looks forward to participating in these additional ring ceremonies and will be announcing more details in the near future.”

Porter said Mark Davis, controlling owner/managing general partner of the Las Vegas Raiders and a member of the Hall’s Board of Trustees, encouraged the Hall to revisit its past practice of limiting Rings of Excellence to living enshrinees. 

As a result of Davis’ input, and with further insight from Virginia Madden, widow of Enshrinee JOHN MADDEN, the Hall began laying out new procedures for determining who will receive a Ring of Excellence. The review includes a next of kin policy to determine ring eligibility for deceased enshrinees.

The first recipient of a Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence, created by Kay® Jewelers, under the revised policy will be CLIFF BRANCH, a member of the Class of 2022 who passed away in 2019. His sister, Elaine Anderson, will accept his ring from Porter during a special halftime ceremony Sunday, Dec. 4, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas when the Raiders host the Los Angeles Chargers. The game is set to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET.

The family of another member of the Class of 2022, SAM MILLS, will receive his ring at a time and place to be determined. Several other players, coaches and contributors who were deceased at the time of their election also will receive rings. The Hall of Fame will announce that list at a later date as it finalizes the new policy.

Former players, coaches and contributors typically receive their Rings of Excellence in ceremonies at the home stadium of the franchise(s) associated with their careers sometime in the fall following their election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
 

Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence

The Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence is created by Kay® Jewelers. The spectacular Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence is set in 14K gold with a total diamond weight of 1.75 carats. It is much more than a beautiful piece of jewelry, however. Intricate details on the ring reflect the special significance of enshrinement.

The outer diamonds create a “stadium” effect surrounding the football-shaped diamond center. The vibrant blue gemstone was selected both for appearance and meaning, as blue is often associated with confidence, power and integrity — all traits of these incredible, legendary football icons.

Branch’s Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence is customized to reflect his unique career. A likeness of his Bronzed Bust, along with “Wide Receiver” and “1972-1985” (his years in the NFL), appear on one side, while “Branch,” the Pro Football Hall of Fame logo and “Class of 2022” are included on the other.

Additionally, a special arbormark (or engraving) appears on the inside of the ring – 356 – which is his Enshrinee number.

Class of 2022 members TONY BOSELLI, LeROY BUTLER, ART McNALLY, RICHARD SEYMOUR, DICK VERMEIL and BRYANT YOUNG received their Hall of Fame Rings of Excellence in ceremonies earlier this season.