NFL Makes Final Call on Punishment for Lions’ Brian Branch Following Appeal
Detroit Lions
defensive back Brian Branch won’t be with the team when it hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on the October 20 edition of “Monday Night Football.”
The ruling came down from the league office after Branch appealed a one-game suspension without pay in the wake of his actions following last Sunday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Detroit defensive back Brian Branch.
“Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Detroit defensive back Brian Branch,” NFL Senior Vice President of Football & International Communications Michael Signora posted to X Wednesday night.
Brian Branch Suspended for Starting Large Fight Between Lions, Chiefs
Branch started a large-scale brawl following the Chiefs’ 30-17 win over the Lions in Kansas City on “Sunday Night Football” last weekend.
The issue began with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes attempting to shake Branch’s hand as the final seconds ticked off the clock. Branch shrugged Mahomes off, and Kansas City wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster took exception to the snub.
Smith-Schuster’s visible reaction sparked Branch, who struck Smith-Schuster in the face mask. The two tussled and eventually hit the deck, with Mahomes jumping in to intervene.
Soon there were several players from each team involved, some shoving while others were clearly trying to calm down the physical altercation. All three of the initial participants spoke about the incident in its aftermath.
“I mean, we play the game in between the whistles,” Mahomes said during an on-field interview. “They can do all the extra-curricular stuff they want to do, but we play the game between the whistles.”
Branch, meanwhile, spoke with reporters after the game.
“It was a childish thing, but I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don’t catch it,” Branch said, per ESPN. “They be trying to bully me out there. I should have never did it. It was childish.”
“I could’ve got hurt off of that play,” Branch said of what he claimed was an illegal block by Smith-Schuster during the game. “I still shouldn’t have done that.”
Smith-Schuster also had some words following the contest.
“He’s a great player and he’s huge for [their] team,” Smith-Schuster said of Branch. “After the game, I expected to shake his hand and say, ‘Good game.’ But he threw a punch.”
Lions, Down 3 Starters in Secondary, Will Square Off Against Injured Buccaneers Offense Monday Night
Detroit will face something of a mountain to climb on Monday night without Branch, as starting cornerbacks D.J. Reed (hamstring/IR) and Terrion Arnold (shoulder) are both out due to injuries.
Branch’s absence means the Lions secondary will be down three starters against one of the more potent offensive attacks in the league through six weeks, led by Bucs QB Baker Mayfield.
However, Tampa Bay is also likely to be without several offensive players. The team has already ruled out wide receiver Chris Godwin (fibula) and running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), while it appears unlikely that star rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka will play after suffering a hamstring strain last weekend.
Wide receiver Mike Evans, who has missed several games with a hamstring issue of his own, was questionable for the game as of Wednesday.
Maxx Crosby of Las Vegas Raiders: A Quiet Gesture that Speaks Volumes – Why His Act of Kindness on a Flight is Shaping His Legacy
Las Vegas, NV — October 11, 2025 — In a world obsessed with stats, championships, and headlines, it’s rare to find a moment that transcends the game itself. But that’s exactly what
Crosby, who has quickly become one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, was caught in a viral moment this week that has left fans and fellow athletes alike in awe. The incident occurred not on the football field, but rather aboard a commercial flight from Las Vegas, where Crosby made a seemingly small but profoundly meaningful gesture that reminded everyone of what true leadership and character really look like.
A Quiet Act of Respect
According to multiple witnesses, just moments before takeoff, Crosby — dressed casually in a hoodie and baseball cap — was seated in first class when an elderly man in a U.S. veteran cap was escorted down the aisle. Without hesitation, Crosby stood up, offered his seat, and urged the veteran to take it. The veteran initially refused, but Crosby insisted with a smile and quietly moved to an economy seat without making a scene.
However, what came next made this moment even more special. After relocating to his new seat, Crosby didn’t seek attention or bask in any praise. Instead, he spent the next few minutes helping fellow passengers with their luggage, offering assistance to families, and even helping a mother calm her crying baby. According to flight attendants, Crosby “was just helping — quietly, gently, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.”
This modest act, captured by no cameras and recorded by no media outlets, was a reflection of Crosby’s personality both on and off the field — humble, genuine, and compassionate. “He wasn’t drawing attention to himself,” one witness noted. “He was just being a good person.”
A Ripple of Kindness: The Flight Cabin Responds
As Crosby continued his quiet service, passengers began to take notice. Within minutes, murmurs spread across the cabin, and then, a spontaneous show of admiration erupted. Fellow passengers started chanting his name: “Crosby! Crosby!” The reaction was overwhelming — applause, cheers, and even tears filled the plane as everyone realized the full extent of Crosby’s kindness.
What made this moment even more impactful was the deep connection it forged with those onboard. One passenger shared a poignant reflection, writing on social media, “No cameras. No PR stunt. Just pure class.”
This simple truth set social media ablaze, with fans across the world praising Crosby for showing the kind of leadership that cannot be measured in sacks or tackles for loss.
