Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch returned to practice Tuesday after completing his one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct stemming from the Oct. 12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Branch chuckled and smiled when asked whether he believed the punishment fit his actions following the session.
“I took the consequences they handed me and now I’m moving on,” Branch said.
The NFL suspended Branch one game without pay after he struck Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, which triggered a brief scuffle at the game’s end. His appeal was denied, but teammates and coaches were thrilled to see him back at the Meijer Performance Center this week.
“It’s awesome. BB’s had two weeks off now, so his legs are fresh. He’s ready to go. A nice little midseason bye, and I’m pumped,” Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson said. “BB is one of those guys who’s really the heart and tone setter of this defense, so it’s great to have him back.”
Branch called it “tough” to miss Detroit’s 24-9 win over Tampa Bay on Monday, Oct. 20, before the bye week. He admitted he refused to watch because it would’ve made him too emotional, but vowed to return with intensity and discipline Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
“Big motivation. It’s another chip on my shoulder that got added,” Branch said. “And I also want to apologize for that. What I did was wrong, and it won’t happen again, but it definitely gave me more drive.”
The 24-year-old used his time away to reflect on his behavior, which drew harsh criticism, and revealed plans to get baptized Wednesday to mark a personal reset. “That’s something I’ve been wanting to do, but the timing feels right,” Branch said.
Several defensive teammates and coaches showed support by wearing Branch’s No. 32 Lions jersey for the Buccaneers game — jerseys they personally bought. Though Branch didn’t watch live, he appreciated the gesture and said it strengthened their bond.
Second-year cornerback Terrion Arnold organized the display by coordinating with teammates through a group text before the game.
“We’re loyal to him,” Lions cornerback Amik Robertson said after the Tampa Bay win. “We wanted to step on that field and show everyone, and him, that we love him. We’ve moved on and can’t wait to have him back.”
Looking ahead, Branch said he’s focused on controlling his emotions during heated moments while keeping his trademark energy. He believes the experience taught him a valuable lesson that will help the team during the playoff push.
“Just not playing with too much emotion,” Branch said. “Sometimes I get caught up and it leads to that. Now, I’ll keep that fire between the whistles, and man, we’re chasing the playoffs, so that’s all that matters.”
