Deion Branch: 'I promise you there will be football'

New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch, a former Super Bowl MVP, guaranteed there will be football this fall.

As the NFL lockout drags on past the 100-day mark, fan unrest has been rising.

“The fans are sad, we are sad and the owners are sad,” Branch told the Albany Herald. “(The owners) are losing money. We are losing money, as players. And the fans want to see the game. Just sit back (and be patient), and I promise you there will be football. ..

“You can’t explain this (to the average NFL fan). Just try to be conscious and patient and understanding what’s really going on.”

Branch emphasized that the outlook for the retired players is a primary concern.

“Health is the biggest issue,” Branch said. “The older guys are struggling now with health. They can manage with money, but the most important thing when you leave this game is to be healthy. It’s not just about the players who are there today, it’s about making sure the future is laid out and making sure we go back and take care of the people who came before us and laid the foundation for us to play the game of football.

"They are the Refrigerator Perrys, the Earl Campbells who are struggling now. There are things we are trying to do now to make sure we compensate these guys who really aren’t getting compensated right now.”

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for the Carroll County Times.