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Sporting News, The, March 4, 2005

Branch had a great Super Bowl 38, but heading into his second straight Big Game, there weren't a lot of people singling him out as a key player for the defending champion Patriots. In fact, the 5-9, 193-pound wide receiver could have been lost among the crowds of reporters seeking out Terrell Owens or Tom Brady or some defensive star.

But the guy who spent most of his life being told he was too small to play football went out in Super Bowl 39 and had a huge night. When it was all over, Branch had tied a Super Bowl record with 11 catches. He had 133 receiving yards and won the game's MVP trophy.

"It's a great honor to be alongside all these great guys who have won the award," says Branch. "But you don't have to worry about me getting a big head. My morn already got on me about that, so it isn't going to happen."

SPORTING NEWS editors choose one player each month whose performance demonstrates the "Character of a Champion."