Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch sparked a post-game brawl on Sunday night after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
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The incident occurred after the Chiefs defeated the Lions 30-17. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes went to Branch for a handshake, but the safety ignored him. Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster then appeared to confront the safety before going for a handshake.
A fight broke out at the end of the Lions-Chiefs game.
The events that led to it:
◽️ Brian Branch refused to shake hands with Patrick Mahomes
◽️ JuJu Smith-Schuster confronted Branch
◽️ Branch slapped Smith-Schuster🎥 @SNFonNBC | H/T @Rate_the_Refs pic.twitter.com/Ki4xjhHOMD
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 13, 2025
This is the moment when Branch smacked Smith-Schuster in the facemask. Running back Isiah Pacheco then got involved as he wrapped his arms around the Lions safety. Smith-Schuster ran in as they all tumbled to the ground.
Many other players and coaches also moved into the scrum, but they had the goal of breaking up the fight and getting everyone back to their respective locker rooms. Meanwhile, NBC Sports commentators Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth indicated that the league will likely get involved with some discipline.
ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that the league will examine this post-game fight. It will make determinations on any potential discipline.
Branch met with reporters after the game and said that his move was "childish." He also voiced frustrations with the players on the Chiefs trying to "bully" him. He specifically pointed to a block in the back from Smith-Schuster.
Brian Branch blocked in back by JuJu Smith-Schuster video pic.twitter.com/I1zB58tUXa
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) October 13, 2025
The Chiefs receiver also weighed in on the fight, saying, "He's a great player, right? He's huge for the team. I think after the game, I expect to shake his hand and say, 'Good game' and move Pat's way.
"But he threw a punch, and at the end of the day, it's a team sport, right? We came out here. We did our job. We won. And that's all that matters."
Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation during his post-game press conference. He made it clear that he did not approve of Branch's actions after the final whistle blew.
"I love Brian Branch but what he did is inexcusable, and it's not gonna be accepted here," Campbell told reporters. "It's not what we do. It's not what we're about."
