Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch now knows the total amount of his fines following his actions in the team’s game against the Green Bay Packers. The NFL handed Branch a fine of $20,256, as confirmed by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The breakdown includes $10,128 for each of the two hits that led to Branch’s ejection from the game, along with another $10,128 for his obscene gesture toward Packers fans.
In the Nov. 3 game at Lambeau Field, Branch recorded just one tackle before his ejection, but the Lions went on to win 24-14 in a key NFC North matchup. After the fine was announced, fans quickly reacted on X (formerly Twitter), with some expressing surprise at how low the fine was. One fan posted, “That actually isn’t as bad as I thought. Still shouldn’t have been ejected.” Another defended Branch, saying, “League is soft.”
This is the first fine Branch has received this season, and he won’t face any suspension, meaning he’ll be available for the upcoming Sunday Night Football game against the Houston Texans. The matchup has generated excitement, with some fans speculating it could be a preview of Super Bowl LIX.
Branch and the Lions will need to prepare for a tough challenge against a strong Texans team, particularly with star wide receiver Nico Collins returning from injured reserve. This will be Branch’s first time facing Collins and the Texans in a live game.
Did Brian Branch Apologize After the Packers Game?
After the game, many were curious whether Branch regretted his actions. He did apologize for his gesture toward Packers fans, acknowledging it was a momentary lapse in judgment. “That’s not something I wanted to show or want people to notice me as,” Branch said, according to ESPN. “That was just the heat of the moment for me, and I apologize to everyone who saw that, and that won’t happen again.”
However, when asked about his helmet-to-helmet hit on Bo Melton, Branch expressed understanding of the penalty. “I most definitely agree with the call,” Branch said. “My target was obviously high, but that was never my intention to aim for the head. Moving forward, I do have to move my target down.”