Deion Branch returns to alma mater Louisville to help next group of Cardinals
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BVM) – Deion Branch was a legendary wide receiver for the Louisville Cardinals during his two seasons with the program. Now, Branch will once again be a part of the Louisville program as he joins head coach Scott Satterfield’s staff as the director of player development.
LETTTTTTTSSSSSS GOOOOOOOO https://t.co/DGzMos7Gqv
— Deion Branch #83 #84 (@deionbranch84) January 14, 2022
As a transfer from Jones County Junior College, Branch quickly established himself as one of the go-to players for the Cards. As a junior in 2001, Branch had his best season in a Cardinals uniform, catching 72 passes for 1,188 yards and nine touchdowns helping him earn All-Conference USA honors. His 1,188 yards were the fifth most in a single season in school history.
The next year, Branch would still play at an elite level despite the rest of the conference knowing his abilities. As a senior, Branch caught 71 passes for 1,016 yards and nine more touchdowns, earning first team all-conference honors once again. Branch ended his career ranked No. 9 all-time with 143 receptions, No. 7 all-time with 2,204 receiving yards and tied for No. 4 with 18 touchdown catches. His No. 9 jersey is among the Honored Jerseys in Cardinals program history.
Following his time at Louisville, Branch’s career only continued ascending. Branch would play 12 NFL seasons, five with the Seattle Seahawks and seven with the New England Patriots, where he had 518 receptions for 6,644 yards and 39 touchdowns in his career. Most notably, Branch would be named Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005 after he helped the Patriots win by tying a Super Bowl record with 11 catches while going for 133 yards, becoming the first wide receiver to win the award since Jerry Rice did in 1989.
Now, Branch will look to help the next generation of Cardinals as they make their way through the college ranks.
“To have one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play at Louisville and a former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player join our staff, is a great addition to our football program,” Satterfield said in a press release. “He is a recognizable name here at Louisville – one that our players can look up too. We are excited to welcome back Deion to his alma mater.”
Branch will look to help bring the Cardinals more success following a promising 2021-22 season. Last year, Louisville finished with a 6-7 record, but dropped their Servpro First Responders Bowl contest against Air Force on Dec. 28.
With a former Super Bowl MVP on staff, the Louisville Cardinals will look to take another step forward next season. For Branch, it is a return to where it all began. As the legend comes back to Louisville, Cardinals fans will hope it can make the difference on the field soon.
I’M BACKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. TRULY A HONOR AND BLESSING TO BE A PART OF GREATNESS. I CAN’T WAIT TO GET THE BALL ROLLING WITH THESE AMAZING YOUNG MEN ON THE ROSTER AND GREAT COACHES ON OUR STAFF!!!!!! #CARDS4LIFE https://t.co/32vwhg1Mg5
— Deion Branch #83 #84 (@deionbranch84) January 14, 2022
