Fight after Chiefs vs Lions game: What really happened between Brian Branch, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Patrick Mahomes?

Brian Branch hit JuJu Smith-Schuster after ignoring Patrick Mahomes’ handshake, sparking a fight at Arrowhead Stadium.

Published on: Oct 13, 2025, 14:00:17 IST

By HT News Desk

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Tempers flared at the end of Sunday night’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions, leading to a brief on-field fight involving Brian Branch, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Patrick Mahomes.

Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) fights with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) while be held back by Chiefs' James Winchester, left, and Isiah Pacheco (10) following an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP)

As the clock wound down at Arrowhead Stadium, Mahomes appeared to extend his hand toward Branch, but the Lions safety walked past him. Seconds later, Branch struck Smith-Schuster in the facemask, knocking the Chiefs receiver to the ground, according to Yahoo sports.

Smith-Schuster jumped up and charged back, with players from both teams rushing in. Officials and coaches stepped between the groups as the scuffle spread near midfield. After a few minutes, the situation settled. Smith-Schuster was later seen leaving the field holding a towel to his face.

Also read: NFL begins review of Giants QB Dart concussion protocol

“There’s pretty good damage” to Smith-Schuster’s nose, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters after the game.

The NFL is expected to issue fines in the coming days.

‘I should’ve never did it’

"I did a little childish thing, but I'm tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don't catch it," Branch said after the game, via The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy. "They be trying to bully me out there. I should’ve never did it. It was childish."

Branch claimed Smith-Schuster hit him illegally earlier in the game.

“I got blocked in the back illegally, and it was in front of the ref,” he said. “The ref didn't do anything. Just stuff like that. I could've got hurt off of that, but I still should not have done that.”

The hit Branch referred to came late in the fourth quarter when he appeared to be blindsided by Smith-Schuster.

The fight overshadowed the Chiefs’ 30-17 win, which snapped Detroit’s four-game winning streak. Mahomes threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score. Isaiah Pacheco added 51 yards on the ground, and Travis Kelce had 78 yards receiving.

For Detroit, Jared Goff completed 23 of 29 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 65 yards, and Jameson Williams caught six passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. Branch finished with seven tackles.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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