NFL Announces Punishment for Lions' Brian Branch After Eagles Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 6:00 PM ET

Star safety Brian Branch has been a key contributor for the Detroit Lions this 2025 season, tallying 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, five passes defended, three quarterback hits, two and a half sacks and one forced fumble in nine games played.

Branch had six total tackles during their game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11, although the Lions ended up losing 16-9.

While the Lions are 6-4 on the season and are in contention for the playoffs, it hasn't been all good for Branch despite his on-field performance. The 24-year-old has consistently been getting fined by the NFL for his actions during games, announcing on Saturday yet another punishment for him for what he did against the Eagles.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch reacts during a game. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The NFL fined Branch $11,599 for unnecessary roughness after his helmet-to-helmet hit with Eagles receiver Jahan Dotson in the third quarter of their showdown.

Several fans accused Branch of playing dirty following the play, although the Lions star denied those claims on social media by replying to a critic.

"How do I play dirty? What would u rather me do in that situation?" Branch wrote.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was fined $11,599 for this hit on Eagles WR Jahan Dotson pic.twitter.com/RbYtusj0Dv
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) November 22, 2025

According to Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports, Branch has now accumulated a total of $141,588 in fines in his career. It's worth noting that the young defensive star is only in his third year in the NFL.

Earlier this season, Branch was also suspended for one game after starting a fight with the Kansas City Chiefs. He struck wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in the helmet following the Lions' loss, sparking a melee at midfield.

As reported by ESPN, NFL VP of Football Operations Jon Runyan sent a letter to Branch condemning his actions, saying: "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."

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

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