Brian Branch: News| Green thing on helmet| Age| Injury| Detroit lions

Introduction

Brian Branch is one of the most talked-about young defensive talents in the Detroit Lions’ secondary. Since being drafted in 2023, he has made an immediate impact with his speed, instincts, and playmaking ability. But beyond his on-field production — tackles, sacks, interceptions — Branch has drawn particular public attention for a peculiar detail: a bright green object stuck to the top of his helmet. In this article, we break down who Brian Branch is, what that “green thing” is all about, his age and physical profile, recent injury and disciplinary headlines, and what fans and analysts are watching next.

Who is Brian Branch?

• Full name: Brian Amani Branch 

• Date of birth / Age: October 22, 2001 — that makes him 24 years old as of December 2025. 

• Hometown / Background: Born in Fayetteville, Georgia, Branch attended Sandy Creek High School before committing to University of Alabama. 

• Physical profile: Height 6′0″ (approx. 183 cm), weight around 203 lbs (≈ 92 kg). 

• NFL entry / Draft: Branch was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2nd round with the 45th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was the first safety taken in that draft. 

• Position / Role: He plays primarily as a safety (and has seen time as nickel/defensive back), offering versatility in coverage, deep safety, and run support. 

From the outset, Branch was regarded as one of the top safety prospects in his draft class, owing to his athleticism, instincts, and college pedigree at Alabama. 

The “Green Thing on Helmet” — What’s the Story?

One of the most distinctive and talked-about features when watching Branch is the lime-green mouthguard tucked into the top vent of his helmet. This bright green piece often bobs as he moves, making it highly noticeable.

Why does he wear it there?

• Branch has explained that he keeps the mouthguard on the helmet — rather than in his mouth — because he “can’t really breathe with it in.” 

• Additionally, he has adopted this practice since college; it’s something of a personal quirk or tradition for him. 

• Beyond comfort, there’s a practical edge: in case the game demands long stretches and physical play, having the mouthguard easily accessible (on the helmet) helps him stay ready. 

Branch himself once shrugged and said, “I guess that’s going to be my trademark,” acknowledging that the bright mouthguard sets him apart visually. 

So — short answer: the green thing is not a mystical accessory or team-mandated gear. It’s simply his mouthguard, placed on top of his helmet out of comfort, habit, and convenience. 

Career Highlights & Performance Overview

Since joining the Lions in 2023, Branch has steadily emerged as a key defensive piece. Some of his career milestones and performance metrics include:

• In his 2023 rookie season, Branch made a splash: in his debut game he intercepted a pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. That made him the first Lions player to return an interception for a touchdown in his NFL debut since 1967. 

• Over the 2023 season, he finished with 74 combined tackles (50 solo), 3 interceptions, 13 passes defended, one forced fumble, and a sack — in 15 games (9 starts). 

• In 2024, he became a full-time starter. His stats: 109 combined tackles, 4 interceptions, a sack, 16 pass deflections in 16 games — earning him a berth to the 2025 Pro Bowl as the only defensive player from Detroit to be voted in. 

• As of the 2025 season (up to Week 14), his career tally includes 216 total tackles, 7 interceptions, 3.0 sacks, forced fumbles, pass deflections, and even defensive touchdowns. 

Branch is widely regarded as among the most promising young safeties in the league — his range, tackling, ball-skills and aggressiveness make him a cornerstone for Detroit’s secondary. 

Recent News: Injury & Suspension (2025)

Suspension After Post-Game Incident

In October 2025, following a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Branch was involved in a controversial post-game altercation. He struck Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith‑Schuster, triggering a bench-clearing brawl. 

As a result:

• The league suspended Branch for one game. The appeal of this suspension — heard by a hearing officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA — was upheld. 

• The incident stirred reactions across NFL media and fan bases, with strong condemnation from his own coach Dan Campbell, who called Branch’s actions “inexcusable.” 

• Branch later admitted in interviews that his behavior was “childish,” attributing it to frustration over a perceived uncalled foul during the game. 

Despite the setback, Branch has indicated a desire to move forward, learn from the incident, and avoid letting his competitive edge cost the team. 

Injury — Ankle / Toe Concerns

In a Week 14 matchup (2025 season) vs. the Dallas Cowboys, Branch suffered an injury in the fourth quarter while attempting to intercept a tipped pass. He was carted off and evaluated; the issue was described as near the ankle/feet — raising concern about his availability for upcoming games. 

Update as per November 2025 reports: Branch had been dealing with a toe issue over several practices but returned to full participation in practice ahead of a following game. 

At the time of writing, no long-term prognosis has been released; but fans and analysts alike are watching closely, since Branch is a key defensive playmaker for Detroit. 

What It Means for the Lions

• Defensive backbone: Branch’s emergence gives Detroit a versatile safety who can cover deep, support in the box, tackle, and create turnovers — a rare mixture of skills in the modern NFL secondary. 

• Discipline matters: The 2025 suspension and fine history highlight a recurring issue: when Branch’s emotions get the better of him, it hurts the team. As one columnist put it: his repeated “lapses in judgment continue to overshadow his high-level productivity.” 

• Injury risk: The toe/ankle concern — even if temporary — is a reminder that physical durability remains a challenge in a high-contact position. For a young player like Branch, staying healthy will be key to sustaining his growth.

• Fan appeal & personality: Branch’s signature green mouthguard, aggressive playing style, and passion give him a unique identity — both thrilling for fans and polarizing to opponents. That “trademark” could make him marketable and memorable beyond just stats. 

FAQs

Q: Why does Brian Branch have a green thing on his helmet?
A: The green object is simply his mouthguard, which he tucks into the top vent of his helmet instead of holding in his mouth — because he finds it hard to breathe with it during stretches of play, a habit he’s maintained since college.

Q: How old is Brian Branch?
A: He was born on October 22, 2001 — currently 24 years old (as of December 2025). 

Q: What are some career highlights for Brian Branch?
A: Since being drafted in 2023: returned an interception for a TD in his NFL debut, logged 74 combined tackles and 3 interceptions as a rookie; in 2024, tallying 109 combined tackles, 4 interceptions, a sack and 16 pass deflections — culminating in a Pro Bowl selection for 2025. 

Q: What was the suspension about in 2025?
A: Following a postgame incident after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Branch struck receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, triggering a brawl. The league deemed the hit unsportsmanlike and suspended him for one game; the suspension was upheld on appeal.

Q: Is Brian Branch currently injured?
A: In Week 14 of the 2025 season, he suffered an ankle/feet injury trying to intercept a tipped pass and was carted off. As of the most recent reports, he was dealing with a toe issue but returned to full participation in practice. 

What’s Ahead for Brian Branch & the Detroit Lions

As the 2025 season continues, all eyes will be on:

• Whether Branch can maintain discipline and avoid further fines or suspensions. His aggressive style is a strength — but only if controlled.

• His health: ensuring the ankle/toe issue doesn’t linger. The Lions need him available and at full capability, especially given injuries elsewhere in their secondary.

• Growth into a leadership role: At 24, he still has time to mature on and off the field. If he channels his physical gifts and energy positively, he could become a cornerstone for Detroit’s defense for years to come.

• Fan and media perception: That green mouthguard may remain a quirky trademark — but ideally, Branch wants to be known for big plays, smart football, and consistency, not controversial incidents.

Conclusion

Brian Branch’s journey — from a standout at Alabama to a rising star with the Detroit Lions — is already one marked by big plays, athleticism, and a bit of flair (yes, that green mouthguard). At the same time, the drama of a 2025 suspension and injury scare demonstrate the thin line players walk between competitiveness and control, health and risk.

For Lions fans and NFL observers alike, Branch offers a compelling mix of talent, personality, and potential. If he manages to stay healthy, keep his composure, and continue producing — he could well evolve into one of the most impactful safeties in the league.