Defensive back Brian Branch has always played with an edge for the Detroit Lions—a noticeable one that fuels his aggressive style on defense.
But after serving a one-game suspension, Branch told the team’s official website Tuesday that he’s coming back with even more drive and determination.
Branch also emphasized that while his motivation has grown, he’s learned from his mistake and won’t repeat it.
“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 not something I stand for and it won’t happen again—but that suspension definitely added more fuel to my fire.”
Branch’s one-game suspension stemmed from a postgame incident following the Week 6 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, when he punched wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster after refusing a handshake from quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
He missed the Week 7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before Detroit’s Week 8 bye provided additional rest.
Lions’ Brian Branch Owns Mistake, Focuses on Growth
Football is an emotional sport, and players often battle to keep those emotions under control. Branch admitted he failed to do that against the Chiefs but is determined to respond differently moving forward.
“Not playing with too much emotion,” Branch told reporters, via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “I think sometimes I get caught up in playing with too much emotion, and it leads me to moments like that.
“Now, I’m keeping that fire between the whistles—and hey, we’re making a playoff push, so there’s no room for that anymore.”
Even without him, the Lions’ defense delivered in Week 7, holding Tampa Bay’s offense to just nine points in an impressive team effort.
Still, Detroit knows how valuable Branch is and hopes not to be without him again this year—especially considering other injuries in the secondary.
Branch remains one of the most versatile defensive backs in the NFL.
Through seven games, Branch has totaled 33 tackles, including four for loss and five pass breakups. In 2024, he recorded 109 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 16 pass breakups, and four interceptions, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
“I’m fired up to see him on the field Sunday,” Lions safeties coach Jim O’Neil said, via Twentyman. “He’s one of my all-time favorite players to coach. His competitiveness is unmatched.
“It’s scary—because he’s truly one of the best at his position in this league.”
Branch Returns Rested and Ready for Week 9
With their bye behind them, the Lions are focused on seizing control of the NFC North and making a push toward the top of the conference. Their upcoming stretch offers a major opportunity to climb the standings.
In that sense, Branch’s suspension might prove to be a blessing in disguise. He returns refreshed and locked in for the second half of the season.
“It’s awesome. BB’s got two weeks off now, so his legs are fresh. He’s ready to roll,” edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson said, via Woodyard. “BB is one of the heart-and-soul guys of our defense—the tone-setter—and I can’t wait to have him back.”
The Lions will host the Vikings on November 2, then hit the road for back-to-back matchups against the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, both 2024 NFC finalists.
After a home game against the New York Giants on November 23, Detroit closes the month with a rematch against the Green Bay Packers, setting up a defining stretch in their season.
