Branch attended Clemson University from 2007 to 2011. For his career he had 179 tackles and 17.5 sacks. As a senior in 2011, he was a first-team All-ACC pick after recording 77 tackles and 10.5 sacks.[1]
Professional career
Jacksonville Jaguars
Branch was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft with the 38th overall pick.[2] On May 29, 2012, he signed a 4-year, $5.1 million contract.[3]
Miami Dolphins
Branch signed with the Miami Dolphins in on March 17, 2016.[4] In his first year in Miami, Branch started 11 of 16 games for the Dolphins, posting a career-high 49 tackles to go along with 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
On March 8, 2017, Branch signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension with the Dolphins.[5] He started 14 games in 2017, recording 23 combined tackles and 4.5 sacks.
Following a Week 1 game in 2018, Branch was fined $10,026 for taunting Taylor Lewan after delivering a concussion to Lewan with a blind side hit.[6]
On March 2, 2019, Branch was released by the Dolphins.[7]
Arizona Cardinals
On July 30, 2019, Branch signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals after visiting earlier in June.[8][9][10] He was released on August 25, 2019.[11]