Massachusetts Pirates

Johari Branch is one of the top offensive lineman in the Indoor Football League. Branch was a member of the IFL’s All-Rookie team and an All-IFL Second Team selection last season.

Upon joining the Pirates, the 6’3”, 330 lb. Branch started all nine of his regular season games and helped to establish running lanes for running back Jimmie Robinson who led the league in rushing with 1,148 yards. With his play up front, the Pirates averaged 41.6 points per game and 218.7 yards per contest.

He also started all three of Massachusetts’ post-season games including the IFL National Championship game against Arizona.

Branch signed as an undrafted free agent and went to camp with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 after an impressive stint at the University of Maryland. He started a total of 30 games in the Big Ten for the Terps from 2020 through 2022. In 2022 he blocked for quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa who was a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection who set Maryland records in yards, touchdowns, completions and 300-yard games. 

A native of Chicago, IL, Branch arrived at College Park as the number-two JUCO offensive guard in the nation after helping Independence Community College win the 2019 Jayhawk Championship.

Branch started his collegiate career at Eastern Illinois where he redshirted in 2017. In 2018 he played in ten games for the Panthers making six starts. His play helped EIU to be the ninth ranked passing offense at the FCS level, they were also 23rd in the nation in total offense and 25th in scoring.