NAPA — The Raiders’ organization took a gut punch with news of the death of wide receiver Cliff Branch.
“He and I spent our whole career together,” former Raiders coach Tom Flores said Sunday by phone. “I grew up as a coach and he grew up as a player. I am so sad.”
When the Raiders convened for practice, Branch’s uniform No. 21 was conspicuous by its presence. Quarterback Derek Carr shed the typical red quarterbacks practice jersey for a white No. 21.
Other players spotted with a No. 21 on defense in addition to Gareon Conley, who was issued the number, were linebacker Vontaze Burfict and Lamarcus Joyner on defense and wide receiver Tyrell Williams on offense.