Emotions often run high for NFL players on the field, but after the final whistle, those feelings are expected to calm. Unfortunately for Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch, that didn’t happen. According to ESPN, the Oct. 12, 2025 matchup between the Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs ended with a heated post-game clash between Brian and Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

After the altercation, the NFL handed Branch a suspension for part of the 2025 season. The circumstances leading up to the confrontation—and the fines he possibly received—quickly drew interest from fans. Frustration after a tough loss is understandable, but physical aggression is strictly prohibited under NFL Players Association conduct standards.

Brian Branch’s 2025 suspension lasted one game.

ESPN noted that following the Oct. 12 contest, which the Chiefs won, quarterback Patrick Mahomes extended a high-five to Branch, who ignored him. Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster approached Brian about the gesture. In response, Brian struck JuJu in the face, though the receiver still had his helmet on. JuJu fell briefly, and after he rose, Branch tore off JuJu’s mask, though the situation didn’t worsen. Consequently, Branch was suspended one game. The NFL released a statement featuring a letter to Branch from VP of football operations Jon Runyan.

“Your aggressive, non-football act was completely unnecessary, created a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players,” Runyan wrote. “Your actions reflected negatively on the NFL and have no place in the game.” The suspension sidelined Brian until Oct. 21, 2025.

Brian Branch was involved in a fight with JuJu Smith-Schuster from the Chiefs.

Although no one else was struck, several teammates surrounded the two after Brian ripped off JuJu’s mask. Later, Branch told reporters he acted out of frustration over uncalled penalties by the officials during the Lions-Chiefs game.

He admitted his behavior was “childish,” but said he felt “bullied” during the matchup. Videos of the incident circulated widely online, showing both teams’ players running in as tensions rose. Fortunately, the scuffle ended before further violence occurred.

What were Brian Branch’s fines?

Alongside the one-game suspension, Branch reportedly faced additional fines, though the exact total remains uncertain. His combined fines for the 2025 season reached $34,784 by October. One fine, according to NBC News, amounted to $23,186 for face mask and unsportsmanlike conduct violations during a September 2025 game versus the Green Bay Packers.