Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Brian Branch

Brian Amani Branch (born October 22, 2001) is an American professional for the of the (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 0 inches and weighing 203 pounds, Branch is known for his versatility as a , capable of playing , , and even linebacker roles. Hailing from , where he attended Sandy Creek High School, Branch rose to prominence in before entering the professional ranks. Branch played for the from 2019 to 2022, appearing in 40 games and starting 25, during which he recorded 172 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 23 pass deflections. His junior year in 2022 was particularly standout, with 90 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions, earning him first-team All-SEC honors and helping Alabama reach the game. Selected by the in the second round (45th overall) of the , Branch quickly established himself as a key contributor in the Lions' secondary. In his NFL career through the 2025 season (as of November 14), Branch has amassed 229 tackles, 7 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 34 passes defended across 39 games (33 starts), showcasing his instincts and ball skills. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024 after a breakout campaign that included 109 tackles and 4 interceptions, contributing to the Lions' NFC North division title and playoff appearance. Early in the 2025 season, Branch faced a one-game suspension, upheld on appeal, for initiating a post-whistle altercation during a Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, an incident that drew significant media attention and criticism from the Lions organization toward NFL Films' portrayal of the event. As of Week 10, Branch has recorded 46 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 5 passes defended in 8 games, helping the Lions achieve a 6-3 record and first place in the NFC North. Despite this setback, Branch remains a cornerstone of Detroit's defense, valued for his high football IQ and physicality.

Early life and high school

Early life

Brian Branch was born on October 22, 2001, in . He is the youngest son of Clarence Branch III and Sharon Branch, who divorced during his childhood, leading Branch to split time between his parents' homes. His father, a U.S. military veteran who had been a standout player, emphasized discipline, hard work, and resilience in the family dynamic before his death on March 20, 2019. Branch's mother served as an emotional anchor, fostering a supportive home environment amid these challenges, while his older brother Christian provided ongoing familial encouragement, notably during Branch's night in 2023.

High school career

Brian Branch attended Sandy Creek High School in , , where he emerged as a standout . He contributed on both sides of the ball, playing as a , , and , while also handling return duties. Over his high school career, Branch established himself as the program's all-time leader in interceptions, demonstrating exceptional ball skills and instincts. As a senior in 2019, Branch's versatility earned him recognition as the Georgia Class 5A of the Year, an award given by coaches to the top two-way performer in the classification. That season, he recorded 40 tackles and six interceptions on defense, while hauling in 60 receptions for 1,107 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense. His performance also included a selection to the All-American Bowl in , , highlighting his status among the nation's elite prospects. Rated as a four-star recruit by major services, Branch attracted scholarship offers from over 25 Division I programs, including powerhouses like , , , and . After visiting several campuses, he committed to the on April 19, 2019, choosing the over his other finalists.

College career

2020–2021 seasons

Brian Branch began his college career at the in 2020 as a true , transitioning from high school versatility to the rigors of competition under head coach amid the disruptions of the . He appeared in 12 games, primarily contributing in limited snaps at corner and on teams, recording 27 total tackles (19 solo, 8 assisted), 0.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions for 30 yards, and 7 pass deflections. His role was rotational due to the shortened preparation period and depth in Alabama's secondary, but he adapted quickly to the college level, including academic adjustments in a pandemic-altered environment. finished the season 13-2, winning the with a 52-24 victory over Ohio State in the title game, where Branch saw action but did not record a statistic. In his sophomore year of 2021, Branch's role expanded significantly, starting seven games at nickel corner and playing in all 15 contests as part of Alabama's versatile defensive schemes that emphasized slot coverage and run support. He tallied 55 total tackles (34 solo, 21 assisted), 5 tackles for loss (-18 yards), 1 (-5 yards), 9 pass deflections (a team high), 1 quarterback hurry, and 1 fumble recovery, showcasing his development in adapting to high-speed offenses. Branch's contributions were particularly notable in key matchups, including leading the team with 11 tackles and 2 tackles for loss against Texas A&M and recording 8 tackles with 2 pass deflections in the Championship win over . Alabama went 13-2, advancing to the but falling 33-18 to after defeating 27-6 in the semifinal. Over these two seasons, Branch's growth highlighted his versatility in Nick Saban's defensive system, building on his high school foundation as a multi-positional to handle both pass coverage and tackling duties against elite competition, while managing the academic challenges of the pandemic era. His progression from a depth player to a starter underscored his quick acclimation to the physical and strategic demands of Division I .

2022 season

In 2022, Brian Branch solidified his role as a full-time starter for the , primarily at nickel and , where he demonstrated strong leadership in the secondary and took on greater defensive responsibilities building on his earlier experience. His versatility allowed him to excel in coverage and run support, contributing to Alabama's defense that ranked among the nation's top units, while also contributing on special teams with 2 punt returns for 65 yards and 1 touchdown. Branch recorded 90 tackles (58 solo), 14 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 7 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions over 14 games. He delivered standout performances against elite competition, including 9 tackles and 2 tackles for loss against Texas A&M. In Alabama's run, Branch tallied 12 tackles and an interception in the 45-20 victory over Kansas State, aiding the team's advancement to the semifinal before a 27-20 overtime loss to in the , where he saw action but recorded no statistics. Following the season, Branch announced his decision to forgo his senior year and declare early for the on January 2, 2023, citing discussions with family and coaches and his readiness to pursue his lifelong dream at the professional level. Over his three college seasons at , he accumulated 172 total tackles (111 solo), 23 pass deflections, 19.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 4 interceptions, capping a productive career that highlighted his growth into a complete .

Professional career

Pre-draft process

Branch participated in the 2023 , where he recorded a 4.58-second , a 34.5-inch , a 10-foot-5-inch broad jump, and 14 repetitions. At Alabama's pro day, he focused on agility drills to showcase his change-of-direction skills, complementing his combine performance. His testing results were solid but not elite, with evaluators noting strong coverage instincts from his college tape despite average speed metrics. Scouting reports highlighted Branch's versatility as a cornerback and , praising his ball skills, tackling efficiency, and ability to disrupt plays in multiple alignments. Analysts viewed his versatility—spanning , , and even linebacker roles—as a key appeal for schemes requiring hybrid defenders. He was consistently ranked among the top-50 overall prospects in the draft class, often projected as a first-round talent due to his instincts and physicality. Prior to the draft, Branch conducted pre-draft visits with several teams, including the , where discussions emphasized his fit within head coach Dan Campbell's aggressive, versatile defensive scheme. He also met with the and Houston Texans, focusing on his adaptability to modern NFL defenses. On draft night, the Lions traded up to select Branch in the second round with the 45th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, adding depth to their secondary. The selection was an emotional highlight for Branch, who received a pre-recorded video message from his brother expressing pride and support, nearly bringing him to tears during the broadcast.

2023 season

Branch was selected by the in the second round (45th overall) of the , where his draft versatility from playing both and at facilitated a quick assignment to the role before transitioning to during the season. On May 12, 2023, Branch signed a four-year contract worth $8.02 million, including a $2.83 million . In his season, Branch appeared in 15 games for the , starting 9, while adapting to the NFL's physical demands after primarily playing in . He recorded 74 total tackles (50 solo), three interceptions, one forced fumble, and 13 pass deflections, contributing significantly to the ' defensive efforts. Branch's transition to mid-season highlighted his adaptability, though he faced challenges adjusting to the level's intensity. Key highlights included an returned 50 yards for a against the Minnesota Vikings on December 24, 2023. These plays were part of his broader impact on the Lions' defense, which helped the team achieve a 12-5 regular-season record and secure the division title. Branch missed two games (Weeks 5-6) due to an ankle injury early in the season, limiting his availability during the Lions' early push. Despite these setbacks, his year marked a promising start, emphasizing his growth in reading plays and physical tackling against NFL receivers.

2024 season

In 2024, Brian Branch solidified his role as a full-time starter at safety for the Detroit Lions, appearing in 16 of 17 regular-season games and recording 109 total tackles (79 solo, 30 assists), four interceptions, one forced fumble, and 16 pass deflections. His performance marked a significant evolution from his rookie year, where injuries limited his snaps, as he demonstrated enhanced ball skills and versatility in coverage, leading all NFL safeties in pass deflections. Branch's interceptions included a two-pick game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6, showcasing his ability to disrupt top quarterbacks like Dak Prescott. Branch's contributions were instrumental in the Lions' franchise-record 15–2 , securing the NFC's top seed and home-field advantage through the . In the divisional 45–31 loss to the , he tallied 11 tackles (eight solo) and forced a , highlighting his impact in high-stakes situations despite the defeat. Throughout the year, Branch maintained mostly consistent health, missing one game due to a calf injury, which allowed him to anchor the secondary alongside . His breakout campaign earned Branch his first selection for the 2025 game, making him the only defensive player from the Lions roster to receive the honor based on 2024 performance. This recognition underscored his improved coverage against elite receivers, where he held opponents to a low when targeted, contributing to Detroit's top-ranked defense in points allowed.

2025 season

Branch began the 2025 season as a versatile and for the , showcasing his ability to disrupt both the run and pass games in the early weeks. Through eight games (missing one due to ), he has recorded 46 total tackles (31 ), one forced , five pass deflections, and 2.5 sacks, contributing to a defense that limited opponents to an average of 22.2 points per game as of November 14, 2025. His coverage skills were particularly notable, allowing a completion rate of just 63.6% on targets faced, ranking him among the top-25 defensive backs league-wide in that metric. The season took a turn following the Lions' 30-17 loss to the in Week 6, when Branch initiated a postgame brawl by striking Chiefs during handshakes, leading to a one-game without pay from the . Lions head coach addressed the incident, calling Branch's actions "inexcusable" and emphasizing the need for better self-control, stating, "It's not what we do, it's not what we're about." Branch's appeal of the was denied, causing him to miss the Week 7 matchup against the . Branch returned in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, providing an immediate boost to a secondary that had struggled in his absence by recording six tackles in a full snap count. Analysts projected him as a strong candidate based on his pre-suspension dominance, with naming him to their First-Team Quarter All-Pro squad after the early games. His prior seasons' versatility in multiple alignments continued to enhance his impact, allowing the Lions to deploy him flexibly across the defensive backfield. As of December 6, 2025, the Lions hold an 8-5 record, placing third in the and remaining in the playoff hunt, with their defense ranking among the league's top units in points allowed per game (22.2) and total yards (under 320 per contest). Branch's role as a starting and defender has been pivotal in maintaining those rankings, particularly in pass defense where the unit sits top-10 in opponent . On December 5, 2025, during the Lions' Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Branch suffered a torn Achilles tendon while attempting to break up a pass in the end zone against Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, alongside teammate Alex Anzalone. An MRI confirmed the season-ending injury, which will cause him to miss the remainder of the 2025 season.

Accolades

College honors

During his tenure at the from 2020 to 2022, including being part of the 2020 team, Brian Branch earned several notable honors recognizing his defensive contributions, particularly in his junior year. In 2022, he was selected to the second team of the All-SEC team as a , highlighting his versatility in the secondary where he started all 13 games and recorded 90 tackles, including 14 for loss. Nationally, Branch received significant All-American recognition in 2022 for his impact as a nickel corner and safety hybrid. He earned first-team All-American honors from and , while being named to the second team by the , underscoring his ball skills with seven passes defended and two interceptions that season. Within the Alabama program, Branch's leadership and performance led to him sharing the Defensive Player of the Year award with teammate , as voted by his peers at the end of the 2022 season, reflecting his role in anchoring the Crimson Tide's defense amid a transitional year. Branch's college accolades built on his high school reputation as the Georgia 5A of the Year, which praised his two-way versatility and carried over to Alabama, where coaches utilized him across multiple defensive alignments, earning consistent praise for his adaptability from outlets like .

Professional achievements

Branch earned his first selection following the 2024 season, becoming the sole defensive player from the to be voted in, where he recorded 109 tackles, four interceptions, and 15 pass deflections. He was also named to All-Pro First Team in 2024. Over three NFL seasons through Week 9 of 2025, Branch has amassed 222 total tackles (156 solo), three sacks, seven interceptions, and 34 pass deflections, establishing him as a versatile with strong ball skills. Among safeties, his career seven interceptions rank in the top tier for players with similar experience, while his 34 pass deflections underscore his elite coverage ability, allowing a low completion percentage against (around 50% in slot alignments). As a in 2023, Branch received widespread recognition, including selection to the NFL.com All-Rookie Team for his immediate impact with three interceptions and 10 passes defended despite missing time due to . Heading into the latter half of his third season in 2025, analysts project Branch as a strong candidate for First-Team honors, citing his physicality, instincts, and projected full-season stats exceeding 100 tackles and multiple takeaways. Branch's contributions have been integral to the Lions' defensive improvement, helping secure back-to-back division titles in 2023 and 2024 as a starting slot defender who disrupted passing attacks league-wide.

References

  1. [1]
    Brian Branch Biography - ESPN
    HT/WT6' 0", 203 lbs. Birthdate10/22/2001 (24). CollegeAlabama. Draft Info2023: Rd 2, Pk 45 (DET). StatusActive. Experience3rd Season.
  2. [2]
    Brian Branch Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
    Brian Branch. Brian Branch. Position: DB. 6-0, 203lb (183cm, 92kg). Team ... Brian Branch has never won a Super Bowl. More Branch Pages. Brian Branch Overview.
  3. [3]
    Brian Branch - 2022 Football Roster - Alabama Athletics
    Brian Branch · Position: DB · Height: 6-0 · Weight: 193 · Class: Junior · Hometown: Fayetteville, Ga. · High School: Sandy Creek. Skip Ad. Bio
  4. [4]
    Brian Branch - Detroit Lions
    Appeared and started in all 13 games played, notching 90 tackles (58 solo), 14.0 tackles for loss, seven pass defenses, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions and one ...
  5. [5]
    Brian Branch Career Stats | NFL.com
    Career Stats for SAF Brian Branch. ... Brian Branch Career Stats | NFL.com. Brian Branch. SAF • #32. Detroit Lions. active. Info · Stats.
  6. [6]
    Brian Branch suspension: Lions furious with NFL Films video
    Oct 20, 2025 · Branch was suspended for one game after starting a fight following the Lions' Week 6 loss in Kansas City. His appeal of the league's suspension ...
  7. [7]
    Brian Branch Stats, News and Video - SAF - NFL.com
    Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch earns the No. 1 spot in Jason McCourty's weekly defensive back rankings entering Week 4 of the 2023 season.
  8. [8]
    Who are Brian Branch's parents? - Sportskeeda
    Apr 20, 2023 · Clarence Branch III and Sharon Branch are Brian Branch's parents. Clarence (father) and Sharon (mother) are no longer together and are divorced.
  9. [9]
    Brian Branch: Age, Net Worth, Biography & NFL Career - Mabumbe
    Oct 13, 2025 · Date of Birth, October 22, 2001 (Age 23) ; Place of Birth, Fayetteville, Georgia ; Nationality, American ; Early Life, Raised in a supportive yet ...
  10. [10]
    Who Are Brian Branch's Parents? All About NFL Star's Mom Sharon ...
    Jan 29, 2025 · Discover Brian Branch's family, his journey from Fayetteville to the NFL, and the legacy of hard work passed down by his parents.
  11. [11]
    Brian Branch almost cried from emotional message from his brother
    May 6, 2023 · Former Alabama DB Brian Branch almost cried during an emotional support message from his brother after getting selected in the NFL Draft.Missing: Clarence Sharon
  12. [12]
    Could 4-star Alabama signee Brian Branch play both ways? He says ...
    Jan 18, 2020 · Branch caught 60 passes for 1,107 yards and 14 touchdowns and added 40 tackles and six interceptions on defense. National recruiting services ...
  13. [13]
    Top 10 safeties in the 2023 NFL draft - Atlanta Journal-Constitution
    Apr 20, 2023 · Alabama defensive back Brian Branch breaks up a pass intended ... He was selected as the Georgia Class 5A Ironman of the Year by coaches.
  14. [14]
    Prospect Breakdown: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama - Sports Illustrated
    Jun 30, 2022 · Branch finished his time at Sandy Creek as the school's career interceptions leader. He played in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Tex. A ...
  15. [15]
    Alabama offer leaves Brian Branch blown away
    Feb 18, 2019 · Branch is a 2020 defensive back out of Tyrone, Georgia,. He has 25 Division 1 offers as Alabama and West Virginia both offered him this weekend.
  16. [16]
    BREAKING: Brian Branch commits to Alabama
    Brian Branch announced his verbal commitment to Alabama on Friday. ... Alabama extended an offer to the 4-Star defensive back in February.
  17. [17]
    Brian Branch - Detroit Lions
    Played three seasons (2020-22) at Alabama, combining for 172 total tackles (111 solo), 23 pass defenses, 19.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, three interceptions ...
  18. [18]
    Brian Branch 2021 Player Statistics - Alabama Crimson Tide
    Oct 19, 2025 · 2021 Alabama Crimson Tide Brian Branch #14 Sophomore DB 6-0 190 Tyrone, GA through 01/10/2022 ; Tackles · Solo, Assisted ; Tackles For Loss · TFL ...
  19. [19]
  20. [20]
    Stat leaders from Alabama's Sugar Bowl victory - Roll Tide Wire
    DeMarcco Hellams - 13 tackles · Brian Branch - 12 tackles · Jordan Battle - 9 tackles · Eli Ricks - 6 tackles · Henry To'oTo'o - 5 tackles ...
  21. [21]
  22. [22]
    Alabama junior defensive back Brian Branch declares for NFL draft
    Jan 2, 2023 · After a junior season that earned him widespread attention from NFL scouts, Alabama defensive back Brian Branch declared Monday for the 2023 draft.
  23. [23]
    Brian Branch Draft and Combine Prospect Profile - NFL.com
    All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Brian Branch.
  24. [24]
    Brian Branch NFL Draft 2023 profile: Full scouting report, landing ...
    Apr 25, 2023 · Brian Branch is a versatile, intelligent player who has been asked to do a lot for Nick Saban's team. He has fulfilled a leadership role with ...
  25. [25]
    Meet the Prospect: Brian Branch - Detroit Lions
    Apr 10, 2023 · Name: Brian Branch. Position: Defensive back. School: Alabama. Ht/Wt: 6-0, 190. 40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds. Bench: 14 reps.
  26. [26]
    2023 NFL Combine: Performance grades for the top 20 draft prospects
    Mar 6, 2023 · S Brian Branch: While his tape remains elite, Branch didn't test overly well at the combine and subsequently slipped a bit down PFF's draft ...
  27. [27]
    Brian Branch NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Alabama S
    Apr 25, 2023 · Brian Branch is an extremely versatile player who played at multiple positions for Alabama throughout his career. He has a high football IQ, ...
  28. [28]
    Alabama's Brian Branch is the ultimate do-everything safety in the ...
    Apr 15, 2023 · One of the only true questions for Branch will be his athleticism and how it stacks up in the NFL. He ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL ...
  29. [29]
    2023 NFL Draft: Brian Branch scouting report
    Mar 18, 2023 · He is quick to sniff out screens and short routes, exploding into them with great physicality, playing much bigger than his size would indicate.<|control11|><|separator|>
  30. [30]
    Detroit Lions to have Alabama safety Brian Branch in for a pre-draft ...
    Apr 4, 2023 · As they continue to survey draft prospects, the Detroit Lions have scheduled a pre-draft visit with Alabama safety Brian Branch.
  31. [31]
    Report: Lions hosting versatile Alabama defensive back on pre-draft ...
    Apr 3, 2023 · Alabama defensive back Brian Branch will meet with the Lions, per KPRC-TV in Houston. Branch is also set to meet with the Texans, Washington ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  32. [32]
    Detroit Lions trade up, draft defensive back Brian Branch
    Apr 28, 2023 · With the 45th overall pick, the Detroit Lions select defensive back Brian Branch.
  33. [33]
    VIDEO: Watch Brian Branch receive an emotional message from ...
    May 7, 2023 · Notes: Watch newly-drafted Brian Branch receive an emotional message from brother. After being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL ...Missing: Clarence Sharon
  34. [34]
    Brian Branch receives heartfelt message from brother after getting ...
    May 6, 2023 · After having his name called, Branch was sat down and played a pre-recorded video message from his brother and was nearly moved to tears.Missing: Clarence Sharon emotional night
  35. [35]
    Brian Branch Stats Summary | NFL.com
    Get the latest stats for player. Position player. DisplayName. Find complete career stats by year.<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Brian Branch 2024 Stats per Game - NFL - ESPN
    ### Brian Branch 2024 Stats Summary
  37. [37]
    Brian Branch | Detroit Lions S | NFL and PFF stats
    Solo Tackles, 31. Assists, 7. Forced Fumbles, 1. Stops. Sacks, 1. Missed Tackles. Interceptions, 0. Passer Rating Allowed. Yards Per Reception ...
  38. [38]
    2024 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury ...
    Check out the 2024 Detroit Lions Roster, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees ... Brian Branch, 23, SS, 16, 16, 4, 48, 0, 47, 16, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1.0, 109, 79, 30, 8, 6 ...
  39. [39]
    2025 Pro Bowl selections - Detroit Lions
    View photos of the Detroit Lions named to the 2025 Pro Bowl. Copied! SS Brian Branch (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP). 1 / 25. SS Brian Branch.
  40. [40]
    Brian Branch 2025 Stats per Game - NFL - ESPN
    2025 regular season stats ; SOLO. 27. Tied-78th ; FF. 1. Tied-26th ; INT. 0. Tied-131st ; PD. 5. Tied-42nd.Missing: 2022 | Show results with:2022
  41. [41]
    Lions' Brian Branch suspended 1 game after melee with Chiefs
    Oct 13, 2025 · The NFL has suspended Lions safety Brian Branch for one game without pay after he struck Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and set ...
  42. [42]
    Lions' Dan Campbell on Brian Branch's postgame strike of JuJu ...
    Oct 13, 2025 · "I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable and it's not going to be accepted here. It's not what we do, it's not what we're about. I ...
  43. [43]
    Lions safety Brian Branch loses appeal of one-game suspension ...
    Oct 15, 2025 · Branch initiated a fight after the Lions' 30-17 loss to the Chiefs, as he punched receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster following the game-ending ...<|separator|>
  44. [44]
  45. [45]
    Lions' Brian Branch on the cusp of greatness in way too early All-Pro ...
    Oct 3, 2025 · Lions' Brian Branch on the cusp of greatness in way too early All-Pro predictions. ByCandace Pedraza| Oct 3, 2025.
  46. [46]
    Two Lions made PFF First-Team Quarter All-Pro team - Yahoo Sports
    Oct 3, 2025 · Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and safety Brian Branch were selected to the Second Team. This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Two ...
  47. [47]
    Analyst Ranks Detroit Lions 2025 Defense Among Best in NFL
    Jul 16, 2025 · The Lions return a variety of key players from last year's unit, including Pro Bowlers Brian Branch and Aidan Hutchinson and All-Pro Kerby ...
  48. [48]
    2025 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury ...
    Record: 5-3-0, 2nd in NFC North Division (Schedule and Results) ; Coach: Dan Campbell (5-3-0) ; Points For: 239 (29.9/g) 2nd of 32 ; Points Against: 178 (22.3/g) ...
  49. [49]
    Five Alabama Football Players Receive Associated Press All ...
    Dec 12, 2022 · Anderson Jr. earned first-team honors, Branch named to second team, while three others garnered third-team recognition. TUSCALOOSA, Ala.Missing: college | Show results with:college
  50. [50]
    Brian Branch Safety Alabama | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
    Brian Branch is a quality pro prospect who can play all over the defensive backfield. He possesses good quickness combined with disciplined tackling and an ...
  51. [51]
    Alabama players pick MVP, permanent team captains for 2022 season
    Dec 4, 2022 · Defensive Player of the Year Award (To the most valuable defensive player): Will Anderson Jr., Brian Branch. RECOMMENDED. 3 takeaways from ...
  52. [52]
    A CLOSER LOOK: Defensive back Brian Branch - Detroit Lions
    Apr 28, 2023 · ... School in Georgia, the school Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson attended. Branch won the Georgia 5A Iron Man of the Year Award as a ...Missing: college | Show results with:college
  53. [53]
    Seven Lions named to 2025 Pro Bowl roster - Lions Wire - USA Today
    Jan 2, 2025 · It is fellow safety Brian Branch, who is going to the Pro Bowl for the first time. Branch has 103 tackles, four interceptions, 15 passes ...
  54. [54]
    Brian Branch - Detroit Lions Defensive Back - StatMuse
    Brian Branch has played 3 seasons for the Lions. He has had 156 solo tackles, 66 assists, 3.0 sacks and 7 interceptions. He was selected to play in 1 Pro Bowl.
  55. [55]
    2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: Lions, Rams each boast four selections
    Jan 18, 2024 · In today's installment, he identifies the 25 first-year players who made his 2023 All-Rookie Team.Missing: PFWA mention
  56. [56]
    Lions safety Brian Branch suffered torn Achilles in win over Cowboys
    NFL.com news roundup confirming Brian Branch's torn Achilles injury via MRI after the December 5, 2025, game against the Dallas Cowboys.
  57. [57]
    Source - Detroit Lions DB Brian Branch suffered torn Achilles
    ESPN article detailing the injury occurrence during the attempt to break up a pass in the end zone in the Week 14 game against the Cowboys on December 5, 2025.