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Former Alabama DB Brian Branch apologizes to Lions’ fans, vows team will be back in NFC title game

Originally posted on Touchdown Alabama Magazine
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated Jan 29, 2024 1:58 PM ET

A former Alabama football defensive back was hurting after Sunday’s loss for the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.

Brian Branch, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, produced an outstanding rookie year for the Lions. He helped the franchise win an NFC North Division title for the first time in 30 years. Branch, a native Georgian, finished the regular season with 74 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, a sack, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and an interception returned for a touchdown. He recorded 20 tackles in the postseason with two tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass breakup.

Branch totaled four tackles, including one for loss in a 31-34 loss to the 49ers.

He felt so bad after the loss that he apologized to Lions fans on social media.

We will be back! I’m sorry lions fans

— Alpha (@BrianBB_1) January 29, 2024

Branch vowed to Detroit fans the Lions will return to the NFC Championship Game stage and finish. The fan base for the Lions could not be any happier to have someone like Branch representing the franchise. He was successful as a rookie and is destined for more.

This article first appeared on Touchdown Alabama Magazine and was syndicated with permission.

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