Dan Campbell Apologizes After Lions DB's Cheap Shot At Chiefs Receiver
Major foul by Lions DB. NFL discipline likely on the way.
Lions cornerback Brian Branch is facing heat after a game-ending slap to Chiefs wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster sparked a postgame scuffle as the clock hit zero and Kansas City closed out a 30-17 win on Sunday Night Football.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 12: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions speaks to Brian Branch #32 after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The hit came after Smith-Schuster appeared to taunt Branch, frustrated that the Lions defender ignored Patrick Mahomes’ handshake at midfield. Branch didn’t back down, and things got messy fast.
Players rushed in as tempers flared. The Lions quickly apologized, trying to get ahead of the backlash.
Smith-Schuster left the field with a towel over his nose after the slap.
"I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable and it’s not going to be accepted here," Dan Campbell said postgame.
The NFL is expected to review the incident, and discipline is likely on the way.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 12: Brian Branch #32 of the Detroit Lions tackles Brashard Smith #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter in the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Mahomes and the Chiefs never lost control, with the QB tallying four touchdowns.
The loss snaps Detroit’s four-game win streak — coming against the Bears, Ravens, Browns and Bengals. Instead of playoff talk, the Lions are answering for Branch’s latest lapse — and waiting to see what the league decides next.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 12: Marquise Brown #5 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown defended by Brian Branch #32 of the Detroit Lions during the third quarter in the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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