Former Alabama DB Brian Branch ejected from Lions-Packers after vicious helmet-to-helmet hit

Former Alabama defensive back Brian Branch was ejected in the second quarter of the Detroit Lions’ game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday after making helmet-to-helmet contact with Packers wide receiver Bo Melton.

Here’s video of the hit:

#Lions DB Brian Branch has been ejected for this helmet-to-helmet hit on Bo Melton pic.twitter.com/MQMSyGAcIG

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 3, 2024

Following the ejection, Branch was assessed another penalty after making an obscene gesture to the Packers sideline while walking off the field:

Lions safety Brian Branch gives a friendly goodbye to Lambeau Field after being ejected for his helmet to helmet hit on Packers receiver Bo Melton pic.twitter.com/POAu2QG7Hl

— Ellie French (@elliefrenchTV) November 3, 2024

Branch, a second-year player for the Lions, was a second-round pick out of Alabama in 2023. He totaled 74 tackles, 3 interceptions, and a pick-6 as a rookie. He is on pace for an even better season in 2024, making 4 interceptions and 38 tackles. Before his departure on Sunday, he had been credited with 2 tackles.

The Lions will now have to play the remainder of the game without their young defensive back. They came into Sunday’s game with a 6-1 record, winning their season opener and falling the next week to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before winning their next 5 games. The Packers, meanwhile, who have won 4 in a row, are 6-2.

The Lions currently hold a half-game lead over the Packers in the NFC North, so Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field will have massive ramifications on the division race and perhaps the top of the NFC standings.

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.