Things got real on social media after the Colts’ fiery linebacker Zaire Franklin decided to stir the pot — and he didn’t hold back.
In a viral post-game moment that’s got fans buzzing, Franklin chimed in on a highlight featuring Lions safety Brian Branch absolutely laying out Patriots receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster during their matchup. Franklin’s take? Simple and savage: “He needed that a* whooping.”*
Yeah, he said that.
The comment lit up the football world, with fans instantly taking sides. Some were laughing and agreeing, saying Branch just “brought the energy JuJu’s been dodging,” while others thought Franklin went too far. But if you know Zaire Franklin, you know he’s not afraid to speak his mind — especially when it comes to tough football.
The hit itself? Brutal. Branch read the play perfectly, stepped up, and dropped Smith-Schuster with a clean shot that had the stadium buzzing. It was vintage Lions defense — fast, fearless, and physical.
JuJu, of course, didn’t respond publicly, but the clip spoke for itself. Franklin’s remark only poured more fuel on the fire, giving fans another juicy chapter in the growing “old-school football vs. soft era” debate.
Say what you will — but it’s clear the Detroit Lions’ defense is earning respect, one knockout hit at a time.
“He Needed That A Whooping”: Colts’ Zaire Franklin Fires at JuJu Smith-Schuster After Brian Branch Hit
