The Detroit Lions were on the receiving end of several league-issued penalties on Saturday, as the NFL handed out three separate fines to members of the team.
As part of the league’s weekly review process, players are disciplined for on-field violations from the previous slate of games. This time around, Detroit found itself heavily represented on the list of offenders.
According to the NFL’s own explanation, these fines are designed to limit unnecessary danger, maintain fairness, and uphold the integrity of competition. The league and the NFL Players Association jointly determine which infractions can lead to financial penalties.
These particular fines trace back to Detroit’s 34–27 overtime victory over the New York Giants, a game that ended up being far tighter than expected given New York’s interim head coach and the absence of injured starting quarterback Jaxson Dart.
In total, three Lions players were disciplined for actions during the matchup.
The steepest fine was levied against safety Brian Branch, who was charged $23,186 for unnecessary roughness stemming from a hit on a defenseless receiver at the 1:49 mark of the opening quarter. It marks the second straight week Branch has been penalized for a similar incident—the previous one coming against the Philadelphia Eagles. Through 11 games this season, Branch has recorded 69 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Linebacker Jack Campbell received the next-biggest fine, ordered to pay $17,389 for a hip-drop tackle deemed unsafe by the league. Additionally, offensive lineman Dan Skipper was fined $6,917 for taunting during the third quarter.
The NFL states that money collected from these violations is directed to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which assists former players in need, and the NFL Foundation, which supports player health, safety initiatives, youth football programs, and community-focused efforts.
All three fined Lions players retain the right to challenge the league’s decisions through the appeals process.




