Brian Branch, JuJu Smith-Schuster Explain Lions-Chiefs Fight

What began as a routine postgame handshake turned into a heated confrontation between the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. Following Kansas City’s 30–17 victory, Lions safety Brian Branch struck Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in the face, sparking a brief melee that left Smith-Schuster bloodied and drew condemnation from both teams.

Branch admitted afterward that his actions were “childish,” saying he reacted out of frustration from what he believed was an uncalled illegal block earlier in the game.

“I did a little childish thing,” Branch told USA TODAY Sports. “But I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the plays and the ref don’t catch it, trying to bully me out there. But I should’ve never did it. It was childish.”

A Heated Exchange Turns Physical

The altercation began moments after the final whistle. As Patrick Mahomes extended his hand to Branch for a postgame handshake, the Lions safety refused. Smith-Schuster noticed the snub and reportedly made a taunting gesture, prompting Branch to charge toward him and throw a punch that landed under the receiver’s facemask.

Running back Isiah Pacheco restrained Branch as players from both teams rushed in, with several hitting the turf before officials and coaches restored order. Smith-Schuster later showed a cut on his nose from the hit.

“I made a good block,” Smith-Schuster said. “He obviously responded after the game. At the end of the day, it’s about the team win.”

Reactions From Coaches and Players

Lions coach Dan Campbell wasted no time addressing the incident in his postgame remarks, condemning Branch’s behavior and apologizing to Chiefs coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City organization.

“I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable and it’s not going to be accepted here,” Campbell said. “It’s not what we do. It’s not what we’re about.”
Reid, for his part, downplayed the confrontation but confirmed Smith-Schuster’s injury.

“That’s tough,” Reid said. “Pretty good damage to JuJu’s nose.”

Mahomes also commented after the game, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship.

“We play the game in between the whistles,” Mahomes told NBC Sports. “They can do all the extra stuff in between the whistles. I thought we played a great game today.”

Branch’s History and Likely Discipline

The NFL is expected to review the incident, and discipline for Branch appears likely given his recent history of infractions. The second-year safety has already been fined three times in 2025 and seven times last season, primarily for unnecessary roughness penalties.

“I got blocked in the back illegally,” Branch said. “It was in front of the ref and the ref didn’t do anything. Just stuff like that. I could’ve gotten hurt off that. I still shouldn’t have done that.”
Smith-Schuster’s Perspective and Mutual Respect

Smith-Schuster, who finished with three catches for 57 yards, said the incident was the first time an opponent had ever thrown a punch at him. While he chalked it up to Branch’s frustration, he also expressed understanding and respect for his opponent.

“I know he’s a better player than that, a better person,” Smith-Schuster said. “He’ll learn from his mistakes.”

Looking Ahead

For the Lions, the altercation overshadowed what had been a promising stretch of four straight wins. For the Chiefs, the victory marked a much-needed rebound to reach 3–3, powered by Mahomes becoming the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 300 career touchdown passes (including postseason).

As both teams move forward, the NFL’s impending disciplinary decision will determine whether Branch’s emotional outburst costs him more than just a fine — and whether he can turn the moment into the “learning experience” he claims it to be.