Brian Branch Has 'Chip On My Shoulder,' Talks 'Motivation' After 1-Game Suspension

Brian Branch is coming back from his one-game suspension fired up.

The Detroit Lions defensive back discussed using the suspension as "motivation" ahead of a Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. He added that the behavior that earned him the suspension is a thing of the past.

"A lot of motivation. I feel like it's another chip on my shoulder that they just added," Branch said, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "And I also want to apologize for that, for what I did. That's something I don't condone, and it'll never happen again, but it definitely added another chip to my shoulder."

Branch was suspended one game after striking Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in the head following a 30-17 loss in Week 6. He appealed the suspension, but it was upheld.

The Lions got past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without Branch, a game he "couldn't" watch because it would have made him too emotional. Detroit had its bye week and will now look to improve to 5-2 against the Vikings on Sunday.

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Branch has been an integral part of the defense since he was drafted in 2023, and he's recorded 33 tackles, five passes defended, a sack and a forced fumble in six games this year.

The Lions can't afford to be without Branch as they look to put together a Super Bowl run, but it seems like his suspension-worthy behavior is behind him.