Remember former New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch? This month marks the 20-year anniversary of him being named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles. Here’s a look at what he’s doing now:
Where are former Patriots now? WR Deion Branch (2002-2005, 2010-2012)
The 45-year-old Branch is a coach these days. He currently works at his alma mater, Louisville. Earlier this month, Branch was promoted to the team’s receivers coach, according to the Courier Journal. He spent three seasons as the director of player development and alumni relations.
Branch’s first coaching gig came in 2021, when he was an assistant coach at Carmel High School in Indiana. The new gig marks Branch’s first permanent coaching gig since jumping to the college ranks in 2022.
But there was one special circumstance for Branch during his first season back with the Cardinals. After then-head coach Scott Satterfield left to take the Cincinnati job, Branch was named the interim head coach for Louisville’s game in the 2022 Fenway Bowl. Branch led the Cardinals to a 21-7 win against Cincinnati — the same program his old boss had just bolted to.
At 5-foot-9, Branch was undersized for an NFL receiver. However, the Georgia native rose to stardom thanks to his elite quickness and route running.
After high school, Branch spent two seasons playing for Jones College, a JuCo program in Mississippi. He later transferred to Louisville, where he became one of the greatest players in program history. A two-time All-Conference selection, Branch is one of 21 players who have been named to the Louisville Ring of Honor.
The Patriots selected Branch with the No. 65 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. He quickly made an impact in New England, leading the team with 57 catches and 803 yards during his second season.
Branch was part of back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams in 2003 and 2004. In Super Bowl XXXIX, he had one of the greatest postseason performances by a receiver in NFL history, catching 11 passes for 133 yards in the win over the Eagles.
Heading into the 2005 season, Branch was in the final year of his rookie deal and was set to make just over $1 million in base salary. He then entered an ugly contract dispute with the team and ultimately held out through the preseason and the first week of the regular season.
Eventually, the Patriots traded Branch to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a first-round pick.
Branch had an up-and-down run in Seattle that was marred by injuries. In October of 2011, he was traded back to the Patriots in exchange for a fourth-round pick, reuniting him with Tom Brady.
Branch wasted little time making an impact on his return. In his first game back, Branch caught 9 passes for 98 yards. Despite not playing for the team until Week 6, Branch still finished second on the 2010 Patriots in receptions (48) and receiving yards (706).
Branch’s second run in New England lasted until 2012, when he bounced on and off the roster until he was cut for good in November of that year.
Branch’s last appearance on an NFL roster came during the 2013 playoffs. In January 2014, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as part of their postseason run. He was inactive for the Colts’ lone playoff game, a loss to the Patriots.
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