By Moses Joshua 
After a historic regular season marred by injuries, Detroit’s star safety believes the Lions are primed for greatness in 2025.
Toughened by Adversity, United by Belief
Brian Branch, fresh off a breakout season that earned him Pro Bowl honors, has seen both the highs and heartbreaks of Detroit’s most recent run. While he was one of the few defensive starters to remain mostly healthy in 2024, his teammates on that side of the ball endured a brutal wave of injuries. Yet, the Lions kept roaring.
Despite losing key defensive players like Aidan Hutchinson, Derrick Barnes, Marcus Davenport, Alim McNeill, and Carlton Davis for extended periods, Detroit still clawed its way to a 15-2 record — the best in franchise history — and secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
Now, with the majority of those injured stars returning, Branch says the team is stronger, more connected, and hungrier than ever.
“We went through the ups and downs,” Branch told the Detroit Free Press. “We fought together in tough games… Once you have a group that has bought in and has gone through trials and tribulations, we feel invincible.”
Branch: “We’re Hungry — and That’s Going to Separate Us”
The Lions were a juggernaut in 2024. They boasted the NFL’s top-ranked scoring offense and finished seventh in scoring defense, showing incredible balance despite their injury woes. But a shocking Divisional Round loss to Washington left unfinished business on the table — and a fire in Detroit’s locker room.
“I feel like we’re better than last year,” Branch declared. “We’re hungry, and I feel that’s gonna separate us. Our chemistry is on a whole ’nother level.”
The Lions have not only held on to their gritty identity — forged over three playoff campaigns — but have also made key offseason additions. Veteran corners D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin bring stability to a battered secondary. First-round pick Tyleik Williams strengthens a defensive front that already strikes fear. And while the surprise retirement of center Frank Ragnow stings, second-round lineman Tate Ratledge could prove an immediate impact player.
A New Standard in Detroit
Injuries may have derailed a potential Super Bowl run last season, but Detroit’s expectations are now higher than they’ve been in generations. Regular-season dominance is no longer the end goal — it’s just the baseline.
With Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn both departing for head coaching roles, Dan Campbell’s squad enters 2025 with a revamped staff and a renewed mission. Yet, for Branch, the mindset remains unchanged.
“This year, everybody’s healthy that is coming back,” Branch said. “And we’re just hungry. We’ve still got the same mission and the same goals. We’re trying to get that Super Bowl.”
Outlook: Built to Finish the Job
If health stays on their side and newcomers contribute as expected, the Detroit Lions may finally be ready to turn postseason dreams into reality. The heartache of 2024 has forged something greater — a battle-tested roster unified in belief and purpose.
In Brian Branch’s eyes, that’s what makes this team different: not just the talent, but the hunger t
hat’s only grown with each step closer to destiny.