Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch now knows the total of his NFL fines for his hit on Bo Melton and the subsequent gesture he made during the game against the Green Bay Packers.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the NFL fined Branch $20,256. This includes $10,128 for each hit that led to his ejection on Sunday, plus the same amount for his offensive gesture directed at the opposing fans.
Branch left the game with only one tackle recorded at Lambeau Field, but the Lions still emerged victorious, winning 24-14 in an important NFC North clash on Nov. 3. Fans quickly reacted to the fine announcement on X (formerly Twitter).
“That actually isn’t as bad as I thought. Still shouldn’t have been ejected,” one fan commented on Pelissero’s post.
“League is soft,” added another, in support of Branch.
This is the first fine Branch has received from the league this season, though he avoided suspension. He will be available for the upcoming Sunday Night Football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium—a matchup some fans see as a potential Super Bowl preview.
Branch and the Lions are preparing to face the formidable Texans, including standout wide receiver Nico Collins, who returned from injury. This will be the first time Branch faces Collins and the Texans in live action. Reflecting on his actions, Branch later apologized for his gesture toward Packers fans.
“That’s not something I wanted to show or how I want people to view me,” Branch said, according to ESPN. “It was just a reaction in the heat of the moment. I apologize to everyone who saw that, and it won’t happen again.”
However, when asked about his hit on Melton, Branch accepted responsibility for the penalty.
“I agree with the call,” Branch said. “My target was high, but I didn’t intend to aim for his head. Moving forward, I’ll focus on lowering my target.”
Branch, a 6-foot, 203-pound safety, is now adjusting his technique, as the NFL strictly penalizes hits involving the helmet’s crown.
Meanwhile, teammate Kerby Joseph lightened the situation by designing new t-shirts featuring Branch’s gesture.
After the game, Melton downplayed the incident, telling ESPN reporters Eric Woodyard and Kalyn Kahler, “He was just playing ball… He hit me while I was in the air, but it is what it is.”
The Packers and Lions will meet again on Dec. 6 at Ford Field, a matchup that could carry significant playoff implications.
