Silver and Black Report

In this second installment of SBReport’s exclusive interview with Oakland Raiders strong safety Tyvon Branch, the 23-year old talks about his head coach coming back for one more campaign, the off-season and the Silver & Black’s fan-base.

SBREPORT: How does it feel knowing that Tom Cable will be back another season?

TYVON BRANCH: It is great. He is an awesome motivator. If you cannot get motivated playing for him you are in the wrong sport.

As the 2009 season wound down, Branch demonstrated that he could become one of the better young safeties in the conference with continued development. I asked him how important it was to get that recognition, especially at such an early stage in his career.

“I want to win. The recognition will come. Obviously getting voted to the Pro Bowl is a goal every NFL player has, and I feel those recognitions will come as we continue to improve.”

SB: How do you approach the off-season; in terms of balancing your time off and recovering from the season, and working-out and trying to get better as a player?

BRANCH: Well January and the first week or so of February was a mixture of relaxation and cardio type work. Basically trying to rejuvenate my muscles and get them ready to go. Come mid February and March I am back at it 100 percent. That includes team activities, film study, and workouts.

SB: When Tyvon Branch is not playing football or training, what’s your day like during the off-season?

BRANCH: I like to play paintball when I get the time and I love video games. I also try and keep my fans updated on Facebook…

SB: If you were not playing football, what career path would you have chosen?

BRANCH: I would be a chef – I make a mean hot pocket! HA. But in reality, I would love to coach. I love the game of football and love being around kids.

In five victories in 2009, the Raiders tallied 15 of the team’s 37 total sacks. Oakland was far more aggressive in those contests and the team appeared to have an emphasis on generating a rush. I asked Branch if he felt that the defense is at its best when they are attacking; blitzing and bringing the heat as oppose to sitting back and being passive with just a 4-man rush?

He said, “Certain times call for different schemes, but personally, I love to attack and go after the offense.”

SB: Do you think Richard Seymour will stick around to help this team turn around its fortunes in the coming years?

BRANCH: He is an amazing player. I have never seen someone manhandle offensive lineman like he can. Playing behind him has been an awesome experience. I would love to do it for years to come.

SB: How hard is it for the defense to sit on the sideline and see the offense struggle at times?

BRANCH: We all want to win, so watching any part of the game plan not go as planned can be tough. This is a team game and we all have to do better.

SB: Who is the toughest guy you have faced?

BRANCH: [New Orleans Saints’ QB] Drew Brees is a tough player to read.

SB: What road stadium has been the most fun to play in?

BRANCH: I like a lot of the stadiums. I really like our in conference away games because the crowd always seems to be a bit more intense.

SB: What’s it like playing in front of ‘the Black Hole?’

BRANCH: The black hole is great. They are the loudest and best fans in football as far as I am concerned. Very loyal and proud. I love being a Raider!

BRANCH NOTES

• He was rewarded the Ed Block Courage Award in 2009, commemorating his dedication and determination. “It’s a great honor. I feel privileged. I work hard every day and I’m glad to see that it pays off,” Branch said on Raiders.com. Per the Ed Block Courage Award’s official web site, “Each year, the Ed Block Courage Awards honor those National Football League players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Recipients are selected by their teammates for team effort, as well as individual performance.”
• In two seasons, Branch has tallied 134 combined tackles, 1 sack, 9 passes defended, 1 interception and two forced fumbles.
• Was All-Big East second team in 2007.

You can follow him at: twitter.com/tyvonbranch or become a part of his crew at:www.facebook.com/tyvonbranch.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist