And that's where it's staying this week, along with his memories of his outstanding performance from Super Bowl XXXIX. Branch had a record-tying 11 receptions for 133 yards in the Patriots' victory against the Eagles to earn the award, but he wasn't very much interested in discussing it Friday, nor did he say he thinks about it all that often.
"Not really because I'm still playing, and the hunger is there to come in with the same goal," Branch said. "For us to have the opportunity to play in this special game, this special event, it's a blessing."
Branch made a case to be named MVP in Super Bowl XXXVIII, too, when he had 10 catches for 143 yards, but that honor went to quarterback Tom Brady.
Branch's 21 career receptions are the third most in Super Bowl history behind Jerry Rice (33) and Andre Reed (27). He's got 276 career receiving yards, which puts him 47 yards shy of Reed (323) for the third most all-time. Rice (589) and Lynn Swann (364) lead that list.
So, if Branch has a big game in Super Bowl XLVI, he could add to his impressive itinerary, which will also increase the amount of stories he'll relay down the road when it's all said and done.
"The reason why I'm playing is for this moment right here, to have the opportunity to be in these type of games, to be around these type of guys in the locker room, to go out and share this moment with them," Branch said. "I think when I'm done playing, I can sit back and reminisce on this stuff and brag to my kids about it."
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