Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lions’ Brian Branch hits JuJu Smith-Schuster in closing seconds of ‘SNF’

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 12:44 AM ET

Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch was in no mood for handshakes to close his team’s Sunday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

A final Patrick Mahomes kneel-down put the Chiefs seconds away from securing a 30-17 win over the Lions at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Players from both sides began exchanging pleasantries as the game clock neared zero.

Mahomes tried to dap up Branch, who had immediately crossed over to the Chiefs’ side. However, the Lions Pro Bowler completely ignored the Chiefs quarterback and instead walked straight toward JuJu Smith-Schuster. Branch struck Smith-Schuster with an open palm and sent the Chiefs wide receiver to the ground.

oooooh Brian Branch is not taking tonight's loss well pic.twitter.com/cDDlCJGhm5
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) October 13, 2025

After getting back to his feet, Smith-Schuster charged at Branch and got entangled with the Lions safety. Players from both sides had to get involved to deescalate the situation.

You can see the full incident develop below.

CHIEFS-LIONS FIGHT pic.twitter.com/H6f5gJYWsS
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) October 13, 2025

Mahomes was asked about the scuffle during his postgame interview.

“We play the game in between the whistles,” Mahomes said. “They can do all the extracurricular stuff they want to do, but we play the game in between the whistles.”

The NFL will likely look into punishing Branch with a hefty fine and possibly a suspension.

Branch finished the game with seven tackles, tied for third-best on the Lions. Smith-Schuster caught three passes for 57 yards in the Chiefs’ 13-point victory.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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