Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has never been one to shy away from intensity. His aggressive, emotional playing style has made him one of the heartbeat defenders on Kelvin Sheppard’s unit. But after serving a one-game suspension for his postgame altercation with Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, the young safety is taking a new approach, one that’s as much spiritual as it is professional.
When Branch met with the media on Tuesday, he didn’t make excuses. He owned his mistake, reflected on the emotional toll of sitting out, and spoke with surprising vulnerability about how the experience changed him.
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Branch Opens Up About Suspension and Accountability
Branch described the frustration of being away from his teammates during the Lions’ Week 7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, saying it was one of the toughest moments of his career.
“It was very difficult, just (not) being out there with my guys, my brothers,” Branch said as quoted by Justin Rogers. “I wasn’t able to help contribute to a win, but I’m glad we got the W.”
He admitted that he didn’t even watch the game.
“Honestly, I didn’t even watch the game, for real,” he said. “Watching them would make me, like, just miss being out there. And that’s something that’s hard that I didn’t want. I would be (too) eager to get out there.”
Branch’s words made it clear that his suspension didn’t just keep him off the field, it humbled him.
“I also want to apologize for that, what I did,” Branch said. “That’s something I don’t condone. It’ll never happen again, but it definitely added another chip to my shoulder.”
Learning Emotional Control — Without Losing His Fire
Few players embody Detroit’s “grit” like Branch. His energy and physicality have made him a fan favorite, but he acknowledged that balancing that fire is key to his growth.
“I feel like I get caught playing with too much emotion and that brings that,” Branch said. “Now, I still play with the fire, but just in between the whistle. Now, shoot, we’re going to the playoff run, so ain’t none of that.”
He said his coaches constantly remind him that opponents will try to bait him into losing his cool, and that discipline, not retaliation, will define his next step.
“Coach tells me all the time, they’re going to pick at me during the play, or just trying to get me to get out of my shell and to retaliate,” he said. “He said, ‘Still play with the fire, just learn how to not retaliate when they do that, and just play between the whistle.’”
That maturity and perspective are exactly what the Lions need from Branch, especially as they prepare for a critical midseason stretch.
Faith, Renewal, and Finding Peace Off the Field
Perhaps the most striking moment from Branch’s interview wasn’t about football at all, it was about faith.
“Honestly, I feel like I just turned over a new leaf,” Branch said. “I feel like I need to be saved by God, just going through a time like that. Yeah, it’s a new leaf.”
Branch revealed that he’s planning to be baptized this Wednesday, saying that his decision had been on his heart for some time, but the timing after his suspension felt right.
“That’s something I’ve wanted to do,” Branch said. “But it was perfect timing anyway.”
He also mentioned that he’s been working with a counselor, who he affectionately calls “Mr. Preacher”, someone who’s helped him process emotions both on and off the field.
It’s a powerful look at how Branch is turning an emotional misstep into a life lesson, one grounded in humility, growth, and gratitude.
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A Renewed Leader for Detroit’s Defense
Despite his mistake, Branch’s teammates never wavered in their support. When the Lions took the field in Tampa, several players wore his jersey as a sign of solidarity.
“It means a lot,” Branch said. “I feel like I shot our team in the foot with what I did, and for them to have my back, I love them for that. Like I said, I’d go to war for them any day of the week.”
Now, with his suspension behind him, Branch is determined to repay that loyalty, not just with big hits and interceptions, but with composure and leadership.
“Just a relentless effort and aggression,” Branch promised.
For a Lions team that has embraced grit as a lifestyle, not just a slogan, Branch’s story fits perfectly. A fiery competitor learning control, a young star finding peace, and a team that refuses to give up on its own, that’s Detroit football in 2025.