By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s fiery defensive back vows redemption and renewed focus as the Lions gear up for a playoff push
Branch Returns With Fire — and a Lesson Learned
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch has always played with an unmistakable edge. His intensity and passion have made him one of the emotional leaders of the Lions defense — a player who never takes a snap off. But following his return from a one-game suspension, Branch says that fire now comes with an even deeper sense of purpose.
“A lot of motivation,” Branch told DetroitLions.com’s Tim Twentyman ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. “It’s another chip on my shoulder they just added. I do want to apologize for what I did, that’s something I don’t condone, and will never happen again, but (the suspension) definitely added another chip to my shoulder.”
Branch’s suspension stemmed from a postgame altercation against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6, when he punched receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster after declining a handshake from Patrick Mahomes. The incident cost him Detroit’s Week 7 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, followed by a bye in Week 8.
Now, with that behind him, Branch says he’s ready to move forward — wiser and more focused than before.
Channeling Emotion, Not Losing Control
Football thrives on emotion, but as Branch admits, there’s a line between playing with passion and letting emotions take control.
“Not playing with too much emotions,” Branch said, via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “I feel like I get caught playing with too much emotions, and it brings me to that. Now, I still play with the fire just in between the whistle and shoot, now we’re going on a playoff run, so it ain’t none of that.”
The Lions’ defense held firm during his absence, limiting the Buccaneers to just nine points, but Detroit knows it’s not the same unit without Branch roaming the secondary. With several other defensive backs battling injuries, his return could not have come at a better time.
‘One of the Best Players in the League’
Branch’s return was met with excitement inside the locker room. Lions safeties coach and defensive assistant Jim O’Neil praised both Branch’s professionalism and his rare competitive drive.
“I’m really excited to see how he takes the field on Sunday. It’s great to have him back,” O’Neil told Twentyman. “He’s one of my all-time favorite people and all-time favorite players I ever coached. I love his competitive spirit. I’m excited to get him back out there. It’s scary. Scary because he’s clearly one of the best players at his position in the league.”
Through seven games this season, Branch has 33 tackles, four tackles for loss, and five pass breakups, continuing to show the versatility that earned him a Pro Bowl nod in 2024.
Fresh Legs for the Stretch Run
While the suspension was a setback, it may ultimately prove beneficial. With two full weeks to rest and refocus, Branch re-enters the lineup with fresh legs — a luxury in the heart of the NFL season.
“It’s great. BB, he’s got two weeks off now, so he’s got fresh legs. He’s ready to go,” said defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, via Woodyard. “BB is one of those guys on our defense that is really the heart and soul and the tone setter, so I can’t wait to have him back.”
The Lions (5–2) will host the Minnesota Vikings on November 2, kicking off a crucial stretch that includes road tests against the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, followed by matchups with the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers.
For Branch, it’s more than just a return — it’s a chance to redefine how he channels his fire. And if his words are any indication, Detroit’s young star is ready to make his presence felt again — the right way.