The incident was sparked by Lions player Brian Branch’s “unacceptable” action against Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. While the teams were shaking hands after the clock had run out, Branch bypassed Chiefs players, including Patrick Mahomes, to punch Smith-Schuster. This immediately led to a brawl on the field, which had to be broken up by teammates. The chaos was reportedly witnessed by celebrities Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark, who were in attendance.
Coaches’ and Players’ Responses
Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell publicly apologized for his player’s conduct. He stated that Branch’s actions were “unacceptable” and did not represent the team’s culture. Campbell personally reached out to Chiefs Coach Andy Reid and Smith-Schuster to offer his apologies, emphasizing that the behavior would not be “condoned.”
Coach Reid acknowledged the incident, noting that Branch’s hit on Smith-Schuster appeared “totally unprovoked” since the Chiefs were taking a knee at the time. He also mentioned that the punch caused “real damage to JuJu’s nose.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes offered a more measured response, stating that his team concentrates on playing “between the whistles.” He reflected on the intensely physical nature of the matchup, noting that the Chiefs are always prepared to match the intensity of their opponent, which he attributed to Coach Reid’s mindset.
Upcoming Games
Following the win that brought their record to 3-3, the Chiefs are scheduled to play the Las Vegas Raiders next. Meanwhile, the Lions will attempt to bounce back against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
