In the aftermath of Sunday’s fiery Chiefs-Lions game, a lot of attention landed on the postgame skirmish between Brian Branch and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Branch vehemently complained that Smith-Schuster had illegally blocked him in the back during the game — a block he says the officials missed. Yet despite that claim, JuJu was not fined by the NFL.
What Happened on the Play
Branch publicly stated that Smith-Schuster committed a block in the back, in full view of referees, but no flag was thrown at the time. The play fueled Branch’s frustration, which later erupted into the punch heard ‘round the league.
Sports media and fans had expected some form of disciplinary action — after all, blindside or illegal blocks often carry fines under the league’s rules.
Why the NFL Passed
According to Pride of Detroit, Smith-Schuster’s block did not qualify under the NFL’s definition of a fine-worthy “blindside block.” The rules stipulate that for a blindside block to be penalized, the blocker must initiate contact from a direction where the defender cannot see it, usually toward or parallel to his own end line, and the block must be forcible — unless it’s in “close-line play” (near the line of scrimmage).
Further, NFL insiders and reports suggest that the league judged the block as falling outside these strict conditions, meaning it didn’t amount to a punishable foul under their current guidelines.
That interpretation drew criticism from many Lions fans, who see it as another example of inconsistency in discipline. They argue that similar plays against Detroit have drawn more scrutiny or fines in other games.
Fallout & Perspective
Branch was ultimately suspended one game for slapping Smith-Schuster after the fact, a non-football act the league deemed reckless and unsportsmanlike. Meanwhile, the debate continues: if the block had been called or fined earlier, maybe the postgame tension never would’ve escalated.
Smith-Schuster himself brushed off the incident, saying he “made a good block” and seemed to imply he didn’t believe the block was illegal.
Dan Campbell also addressed the situation, condemning Branch’s reaction but acknowledging the underlying frustration players feel when they believe rules aren’t enforced fairly.
In short: the NFL deemed the block legal under its current rules. The message to Detroit? Play within the rules, even when it stings.
No Fine for JuJu? Why His Block on Brian Branch Didn’t Draw NFL Discipline
