Detroit Lions star Brian Branch made productive use of his suspension following a controversial fight involving Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Branch, 24, told reporters on Tuesday, October 28, that he made the decision to get baptized “to turn over a new leaf.” The baptism was scheduled for Wednesday, October 29.
“I feel like I need to be saved by God, just going through a time like that,” the Lions safety said.
Branch said getting baptized is “something I’ve been wanting to do, but it was perfect timing.”
According to the Detroit Free Press, Branch sought religious guidance from Flem Robert Peacher VI, who doubles as the man Branch uses to board his rottweiler named Bruno.
Peacher posted on social media about an impactful meeting he had with Branch on October 13, just one day after Branch scuffled with members of the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
“Today my brother showed up to K9 to pickup his Rottweiler ‘Bruno’ from our boarding hotel,” Peacher shared via Instagram. “From there him & I had a great healthy conversation which ultimately led to me sharing my faith & the gospel of Jesus Christ with him. Brian gladly received the message, repented & fully gave his life to Jesus Christ on tonight!!! Hallelujah Jesus is worthy to be praised 🙌🏾 without hesitation he asked, when can I be baptized?”
Branch was suspended one game for his role in the fight involving the Lions and Chiefs on October 12.
When asked on Tuesday if he thought his actions “merited a suspension,” Branch took a long pause, laughed and said, “I dealt with the consequences they gave me. Moving forward now.”
Branch added that the suspension gave him “a lot of motivation” as the Lions quickly approach the second half of the regular season.
“It’s another chip on my shoulder they just added,” he said. “I do want to apologize for what I did, that’s something I don’t condone, and will never happen again, but [the suspension] definitely added another chip to my shoulder.”
Lions safeties coach Jim O’Neil said to expect “an even more motivated Brian Branch” when the Lions play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, November 2.
“I’m really excited to see how he takes the field on Sunday,” O’Neil told reporters on Monday. “It’s great to have him back. He’s one of my all-time favorite people and all-time favorite players I ever coached. I love his competitive spirit. I’m excited to get him back out there.”
O’Neil added, “It’s scary. Scary because he’s clearly one of the best players at his position in the league.”
Branch was suspended after striking Chiefs’ wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster across the facemask after the Chiefs’ 30-17 victory over the Lions at Arrowhead Stadium.
Smith-Schuster, 28, fell to the ground which set off a chaotic scene involving players and coaches from both teams, including Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
In the locker room after the fight, Branch explained he thought Smith-Schuster blocked him in the back near the end of the game, which was not called by the officials.
“I could’ve got hurt off of that play,” Branch told reporters. “I still shouldn’t have done that.”
