The Chiefs triumphantly doused the Detroit Lions’ hope to win the Week 4 clash this Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. But the outcome was quickly eclipsed by a postgame drama, where Brian Branch struck Juju Smith-Schuster in the head, leading him to bleed from the nose.
But a pivotal moment occurred when Lions officials presented a video of Chiefs bullying Brian Branch repeatedly as evidence of the cause of his outburst, and supporters couldn’t agree more.
“I don’t like the Lions, but I agree. ZERO penalties against an NFL team (KC) in a game for the first time since 1970. Meanwhile, Branch illegally got hit in the back & in the head. Not right. I know he reacted. I don’t blame him. They should let it go. Again, F the Lions!”
I don't like the Lions but I agree. ZERO penalties against an NFL team (KC) in a game for the first time since 1970. Meanwhile, Branch illegally got hit in the back & in the head.
Not right. I know he reacted. I don't blame him. They should let it go. Again, F the Lions!
— Colin (@ContractorColin) October 13, 2025
Brian Branch’s Unexpected Outburst in the Final Moment
Following Kansas City’s 30-17 victory Sunday night, quarterback Patrick Mahomes gave a high-five as the postgame ritual. However, Branch walked past him and gave a sudden strike to Ju S th-Schuster’s facemask, who was about to shake hands with Branch. Instead, he ended up falling to the ground, which caused his nose to bleed. Players rushed in to settle down the tension until officials stopped them and put a stop to this on-field chaos.
🚨🚨BREAKING: The #Lions have submitted THIS video to league officials as proof of the “Bullying” Brian Branch received all night.
Branch claims Kansas City’s players continuously physically and verbally abused him during Sunday night’s game which is what lead to his post game… pic.twitter.com/IUkQVuqhsH
— NFC North News (@NFCNorthNewss) October 13, 2025
Later, Brian apologized that he should have kept his emotions under control, stating,” It was a childish thing, but I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the plays and refs don’t catch it,” Branch said. “They are trying to bully me out there.”
The NFL said Monday that Branch would be suspended for one game without pay. Branch will miss the Lions’ Week 7 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if he doesn’t appeal the suspension. NFL vice president of operations Jon Runyan wrote a letter:
“Your aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players,” NFL vice president of operations Jon Runyan wrote. “Your conduct reflected poorly on the NFL and has no place in our game.”
However, after the X video shared proof about the Chiefs’ behavior towards Brian Branch in the fourth quarter, fans began supporting Branch.
One fan stated, “So glad we have people like you that will tweet the truth and nothing but the truth.”
Another stated,” Lions fans need all the support they can get 24/7. “Detroit vs everyone” with constant sympathy.”
Others commented,” That footage shows a blind side block that the refs paid no heed to, as they did with all the Chiefs’ penalties committed.”
A fan supported Juju and said, “If Branch had taken a swing after that play, I would have defended him all day. But once the game is over, you can’t take a swing at a guy. I do think Smith-Shuster should receive a fine as well for that dirty hit and escalation after Pacheco had diffused the issue.”
Brian Branch incident underscores fair play issues in the NFL. While uncalled hits provoked his outburst, suspension promotes sportsmanship. Comment now to voice your opinion and help shape the discussion!
