By Sunday 
A Pricey Start to the Season
The Detroit Lions’ Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers didn’t just end in a loss — it also left a couple of players paying the price off the field. Safety Brian Branch and wide receiver Jameson Williams have both been fined by the NFL for unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field.
Brian Branch’s Helmet Toss
Branch drew double fines totaling $23,186 after a heated sequence in the first quarter. At the 10:33 mark, Branch ripped off the helmet of Packers tight end Tucker Kraft and tossed it away, immediately earning a 15-yard penalty. To make matters worse, just a few plays later, Kraft got the last laugh by scoring a touchdown against Branch in coverage.
It’s not the first time Branch has had issues at Lambeau — last season he was fined for unnecessary roughness and even flashed a double-bird to fans after being ejected. Clearly, Lambeau continues to bring out his fiery side.
Jameson Williams Gets Flagged Too
Williams didn’t escape discipline either. In the second quarter, after catching a short pass from Jared Goff, the receiver got in the face of Packers safety Xavier McKinney. That little exchange cost him a flag on the field — and now an $11,593 fine from the league office.
The timing stings for Williams, who just signed a three-year, $83 million extension to stay in Detroit. Not exactly the headline he’d want a week into his new deal.
Discipline a Growing Concern
For a Lions team with big expectations in 2025, discipline is quickly becoming a talking point. Costly penalties, combined with back-to-back fines at Lambeau for Branch, raise questions about whether the Lions can keep their composure in pressure moments.
Detroit fans will be hoping these are just early-season hiccups rather than signs of a bigger issue.