Alan Branch facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Alan Branch

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 40) 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
Arizona Cardinals (2007–2010) Seattle Seahawks (2011–2012) Buffalo Bills (2013) New England Patriots (2014–2017)
Career highlights and awards
2× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI) Second-team All-American (2006) First-team All-Big Ten (2006)
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 on December 29, 1984, is a former professional football player. He played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Branch played college football for the Michigan Wolverines. He was chosen by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2007 NFL Draft. He also played for the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots. Alan Branch is a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Early Life and High School Football

Alan Branch grew up in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. He went to Cibola High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In high school, he was a star player on the football team. He played on the defensive line, but also as a tight end, running back, and punt returner.

During his senior year, he scored three rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. Throughout his high school career, he scored five punt return touchdowns. Alan was considered one of the best defensive tackles coming out of high school.

High School Sports and Awards

Branch was also a talented basketball player. He was a three-year starter on the varsity team. He earned all-district honors as a sophomore. As a junior, he was named second-team all-state.

He received several awards in high school:

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

College Football Career

Alan Branch played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 2004 to 2006. In 2006, he was a key player on one of the best defenses in college football. He played alongside another defensive star, LaMarr Woodley.

During his time at Michigan, Branch played both defensive tackle and defensive end. In 35 college games, he made 57 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. He also had his first interception and a fumble recovery in a game against Ohio State in 2006.

College Achievements

Branch earned several honors while playing for Michigan:

• He was named to the 2006 ESPN.com All-American Team.
• He was selected for the 2006 All-Big Ten Conference First-team by both coaches and media.

Professional Football Journey

Alan Branch began his professional career in 2007. He played for four different NFL teams during his time in the league.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals drafted Alan Branch as the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft. In the 2008 NFL season, Branch and the Cardinals made it all the way to Super Bowl XLIII. However, they lost a close game to the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 27–23.

Seattle Seahawks

Branch with the Seahawks in 2012.

On July 28, 2011, the Seattle Seahawks signed Alan Branch to a two-year contract. He played for the Seahawks for two seasons.

Buffalo Bills

Branch then signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on April 2, 2013. He later signed a longer contract extension with the Bills in December 2013. However, he was released from the team in August 2014.

New England Patriots

On October 21, 2014, Alan Branch signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. He officially joined the team on October 29. On February 1, 2015, Branch won his first Super Bowl championship. The Patriots defeated his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, 28–24 in Super Bowl XLIX.

Branch re-signed with the Patriots on March 15, 2015, for another two years. In 2016, he helped the Patriots win 14 games and earn the top spot in the AFC playoffs.

On February 5, 2017, Branch and the Patriots won Super Bowl LI. They beat the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in overtime. The Patriots made an amazing comeback in this game, overcoming a 28–3 deficit in the third quarter. This was the first Super Bowl to go into overtime. Branch had three tackles, 0.5 sacks, and an important fumble recovery in the game.

Branch signed a new two-year contract with the Patriots on March 9, 2017. He played 12 games in the 2017 season, recording 12 tackles. The Patriots reached Super Bowl LII that season, but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. On March 6, 2018, the Patriots decided not to keep Branch on their team, making him a free agent.

NFL Career Statistics

Alan Branch had a successful career in the NFL. Here are some of his career statistics: