NFL Films released a statement following backlash over a detailed video focusing on Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, which was later deleted after drawing widespread criticism online.
Branch apologized after the game but insisted his anger came from missed calls by officials, including one where JuJu Smith-Schuster body-checked him late in the fourth quarter. NFL Films aimed to add clarity to that moment but ultimately decided to remove the footage.
NFL Films, which works alongside ESPN, produces a weekly NFL Turning Point episode highlighting a major storyline from each week’s games. For Week 6, the focus was on Branch, showing several moments where he was beaten in coverage or failed to make tackles.
The segment also displayed the hard hit from Smith-Schuster before the fight erupted near the game’s end. While the intent was to show Branch’s emotional buildup, fans accused the piece of unfairly spotlighting his struggles and compounding his embarrassment.
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick narrated the segment, commenting on Branch’s rough night against Kansas City. “He got shown up by Patrick Mahomes, juked by Xavier Worthy, and took a hit from JuJu Smith-Schuster. The turning point became Branch’s breaking point,” Riddick said.
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After removing the clip, NFL Films released a statement explaining its reasoning. “NFL Films strives for each of its shows to have a distinct voice and perspective,” the statement read.
“For NFL Turning Point, that perspective belongs to Louis Riddick. He works closely with the show’s producers each week, reviewing footage and refining scripts before narrating.”
“The sequence in question felt appropriate within a nine-minute breakdown of the Lions-Chiefs game but came across differently when isolated online. On social media, it seemed overly critical of Brian Branch, so we decided to remove it.”
Riddick also posted a personal statement on X. “I have nothing but respect for the Detroit Lions organization,” he wrote.
“From ownership and coaching to the general manager and players. This week’s Turning Point episode on the Chiefs-Lions game didn’t convey the message it should have.”
“The purpose is always to document the story of the game—both good and bad—with no intent to attack anyone or any team. However, I understand how the short clip might have been seen as casting the Lions or Brian Branch in a deliberately negative light.”
“I don’t want to contribute to that. Going forward, I’ll make sure anything linked to my name can never again be interpreted that way.”
