Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Lions' Brian Branch ejected for big hit to head

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Nov 3, 2024 5:35 PM ET

Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch is one of their top defensive players and one of the rising defensive stars in the league. But he did not get to make much of an impact in Sunday's huge NFC North game against the Green Bay Packers after being ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit in the second quarter.

As Green Bay's Bo Melton was unable to haul in a downfield pass from Jordan Love, Branch came in after a few steps, lowered his helmet, and delivered a direct hit to Melton's helmet.

It was originally penalized as only unnecessary roughness and an automatic first down for the Packers. Before the next play could begin, however, the officials got a replay assist from New York and determined that Branch should be ejected.

Lions DB Brian Branch has been ejected from the game after a helmet-to-helmet hit. pic.twitter.com/wgX5m9AOGr
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 3, 2024

Following the ejection, Branch was assessed another personal foul penalty for making an obscene gesture toward the Packers fans.

Branch entered Sunday's game with four interceptions, 11 pass defenses and a forced fumble.

He can almost certainly be expecting a fine from the NFL for that hit, but the bigger question is whether or not that play rises to the level of a suspension. A hit has to be considered especially egregious to result in an ejection, and that is the type of play that could also cost a player an additional game.

He will find out soon. The Lions play at the Houston Texans next Sunday night.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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