It’s a headline that we’ve seen a few times before, and after a postgame altercation on Sunday night between the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs, it’s one we are seeing again: Former Alabama Crimson Tide star Brian Branch is facing punishment from the NFL for his role in the skirmish.
The NFL announced that Branch will be suspended for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct after last night’s game, a Lions loss to the Chiefs. Following the final play of the game, Branch was involved in a tussle on the field that turned into a large skirmish, with players from both teams getting into it at midfield while trying to break up Branch and Kansas City wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster.
Video soon came out showing Branch giving the cold shoulder to Patrick Mahomes, who tried to talk to him after the game. Smith-Schuster took umbrage with this and let Branch know about it. Branch then punched Smith-Schuster’s helmet, which led to a lot of pushing and shoving, with both players ultimately ending up on the ground amidst all of the chaos.
Brian Branch started the fight in the field. Brian Branch threw a punch and knocked JuJu Smith-Schuster down. Brian Branch should be suspended. THERE IS NO PLACE IN SPORTS FOR THAT. pic.twitter.com/C8DtVukdlF
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 13, 2025
Release from the NFL on #Lions DB Brian Branch being suspended one game for unsportsmanlike conduct after last night’s loss to the #Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/G6q9hr7EgP
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 13, 2025
Branch has the opportunity to appeal the suspension, but due to his history of fines and unsportsmanlike penalties, it’s hard to believe that anything would be overturned. According to Spotrac.com, Branch has had three fines already this season. Branch was fined for taunting and for a facemask foul against the Packers, and for a low block against the Ravens. Branch was fined seven times during the 2024 season.
The former Crimson Tide star has had a great career with the Lions after winning a national championship with Alabama in 2020, helping lead the defense over the last three years after being selected with the 45th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2024 as one of the best safeties in the league.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: NFL announces punishment for Brian Branch after Lions-Chiefs fight
