Brian Branch Fined for Low Block Following Lions’ Triumph Over Ravens
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has been fined $11,598 for a low block during the team’s Week 3 victory against the Baltimore Ravens. This marks the second fine of the season for Branch, who was previously penalized after the Lions’ season-opening loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Branch’s infraction, which incurred a 15-yard penalty, did not overshadow the Lions’ impressive 38-30 win. He emerged as the only player on the Lions roster to face disciplinary action in this game.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Avoids Penalty Despite Celebratory Language
In a twist, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown escaped any fines despite using inappropriate language during a post-touchdown celebration. St. Brown scored an 18-yard touchdown that tied the game in the third quarter, and his exuberant celebration was captured on the ESPN broadcast, featuring multiple expletives. However, the league opted not to impose any financial repercussions on him.
St. Brown’s significant contributions in the game included seven receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. So far this season, the two-time First Team All-Pro has recorded 20 catches for 237 yards and has found the end zone four times. His performance has been instrumental to Detroit’s success, particularly as he helped secure the lead early in the fourth quarter and later iced the game with a crucial fourth-down reception.
The Art of Celebration
Celebration has become a hallmark of St. Brown’s game, with his creativity shining through various viral moments, including a headstand celebration during a previous matchup with the Packers. The wide receiver credits his teammates for collaborating on these celebratory antics, often brainstorming ideas together.
“Honestly, some of my buddies send me stuff. Some of the stuff, I just think of on my own,” St. Brown shared in a recent interview. “I talk to some of my teammates, me and Jahmyr (Gibbs), we talk all the time about celebrations. We actually have a group chat — me, Kalif (Raymond) and Jahmyr — it’s called the Celly Chat. We send Tik Toks and stuff like that in there. We just bounce ideas off each other every week.”
St. Brown is currently in the first year of a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract signed in April 2024, shortly before the conclusion of his rookie contract. The Lions selected him in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, marking a significant moment during the inaugural draft of the current management duo, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.
Looking Ahead
As the Lions look to build on their recent success, they will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. on Sunday at Ford Field. The anticipation is building, both for the game itself and for how St. Brown and his teammates will continue to engage fans with their on-field performances and celebrations.
