Andre Branch, a former NFL linebacker who played for the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars, credits his parents for shaping and influencing his sports career.
The former NFL star was born Orlandus Andre Branch III on July 14, 1989, in Richmond, Virginia, United States, to Orlandus A. Branch II and Paulette Battle.
While Andre Branch doesn’t talk much about his father, Orlandus Branch, he often expresses his love and appreciation for his mother, Paulette Battle, who has been his constant supporter through all his highs and lows.
Furthermore, Andre Branch was raised by his mother, Paulette Battle, and his grandfathers, Orlandus Branch Sr. and Lucion Battle.
In an interview, when asked about his biggest football influence growing up, Andre replied that it was his mother and both his grandfathers.
He stated:
“I do this for my mom and both my grandfathers, who are deceased. That’s who I play for. I pray to them before every game and I owe them that. They always were there for me, so this is how I’m changing my family around.”
ESPN
Being a former athlete herself, Paulette supported and guided Andre, instilling in him the passion and dedication to become one of the renowned NFL players.
Andre Branch also often states that although he didn’t have his father, Orlandus, every day, his mother and grandfathers helped shape him into the man he is now.
Andre Branch said,
“My mom never missed a game. Ever, she never missed a game, no matter what. If I redshirted, she didn’t miss. No matter what state I was in, she didn’t miss”
Furthermore, Andre Branch also surprised his mother, Paulette, gifting her a beautiful house and a Mercedes-Benz truck, four months after signing a three-year, $24 million contract extension with the Miami Dolphins in 2017.
“That’s the No. 1 lady in my life, the No. 1 person in my life; she’s done a lot for me. This doesn’t equal up to half of what she’s done in my life,” said Andre Branch to the Miami Herald.
Paulette Battle sacrificed her dreams of attending college to provide financial support for her family, as they were not well-off.
She ensured that there was always food on the table and that Andre didn’t have to face any difficulties while growing up.
Although no information is available about her current job status, Paulette Battle previously worked for years at Philip Morris.
Andre Branch’s Father, Orlandus Branch II Is A Former NFL Player
Andre Branch, who initially loved basketball, followed in his father’s footsteps, Orlandus Branch II, a former NFL player.
Furthermore, Andre Branch began playing football at the age of six and aimed to become better than his father, Orlandus.
While very little information is available about Andre’s father, Orlandus’s, football career in the NFL, he also played football for the University of Richmond’s men’s football team during the late 1970s.
He transitioned into the business world after earning his Bachelor of Science degree. From the University of Richmond and ended his athletic career.
With over 25 years of experience in direct investments across multiple industries, Orlandus A. Branch currently serves as the founder and chairman of the BranchFamilyOffice, a wealth management company.
Furthermore, Orlandus A. Branch II leads a private life and is not active on social media, having shared little about his personal life.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Andre Branch began his football journey at Varina High School and later continued his career at Clemson University, where he was a first-team All-ACC pick after recording 77 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
- He began his professional career with the Jacksonville Jaguars on May 29, 2012, signing a 4-year, $5.1 million contract.
- Andre has recently been grabbing attention with his alleged past romantic involvement with singer and model Cassie Ventura, while she was in a turbulent relationship with Diddy.
