Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch has always played with a noticeable edge. His intensity and competitive fire have been a defining part of Detroit’s defense since he arrived.
However, after returning Tuesday from a one-game suspension, Branch told the team’s official website that he’s coming back even more determined and focused.
Branch also made it clear that while he’s fueled by added motivation, he won’t repeat the actions that led to his suspension.
“A lot of motivation,” Branch said about facing the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, via Detroitlions.com’s Tim Twentyman. “It’s another chip on my shoulder they just added.
“I do want to apologize for what I did, that’s something I don’t condone, and it won’t happen again, but (the suspension) definitely added another chip to my shoulder.”
Branch served his one-game suspension for a postgame altercation that took place against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6. The Lions’ safety punched Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster after refusing a handshake from quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
He missed Detroit’s Week 7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, followed by the team’s Week 8 bye.
Lions’ Brian Branch Acknowledges Error, Now Focused on Moving Ahead
Every player understands football is filled with emotion, but success often comes from controlling those emotions and channeling them the right way.
Branch lost control after the game against Kansas City, but on Tuesday he discussed how he plans to keep that from happening again.
“Not playing with too much emotions,” Branch told reporters, via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “I feel like I get caught playing with too much emotions, and it brings me to that.
“Now, I still play with the fire just in between the whistle and shoot, now we’re going on a playoff run, so it ain’t none of that.”
Detroit’s defense didn’t skip a beat without Branch in Week 7, holding Tampa Bay’s potent offense to only nine points.
But the Lions don’t want to play without their star defensive back again this season, especially given the current injuries in the secondary.
Branch remains one of the league’s most versatile defensive backs.
So far this year, he has recorded 33 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and five passes defended. In 2024, he posted 109 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 16 pass breakups, and four interceptions.
Those numbers earned Branch his first Pro Bowl selection last season.
“I’m really excited to see how he takes the field on Sunday. It’s great to have him back,” Lions defensive assistant and safeties coach Jim O’Neil said Tuesday, via Twentyman. “He’s one of my all-time favorite players I’ve ever coached. I love his competitive nature. I’m pumped to get him back out there.
“It’s scary. Scary because he’s truly one of the top players at his position in the NFL.”
Branch Returns with Fresh Legs for Lions’ Week 9 Clash
Now that the bye week is behind them, the Lions are focused on climbing to the top of both the NFC North and the conference standings. Their upcoming schedule provides plenty of chances to make that push.
Because of that, Branch’s suspension might actually serve as a hidden blessing. He’ll be back Sunday with fresh legs and renewed energy for the season’s stretch run.
“It’s great. BB, he’s had two weeks off now, so he’s got fresh legs. He’s ready to go. A great little bye week in the middle and I’m excited,” Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson said, via Woodyard. “BB is one of those guys who’s really the heart and soul of our defense and the tone setter, so I can’t wait to have him back.”
The Lions will host the Vikings on November 2 before facing consecutive road games against the 2024 NFC finalists — the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles.
After a meeting with the New York Giants on November 23, Detroit will close out the month with a divisional rematch against the Green Bay Packers.
