Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch formed an instant connection with fans as a rookie last season in his first game with a pick-six of Patrick Mahomes in the season-opener.
This season, Branch has been a pivotal part of a broken-down defense that managed to pick up the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
According to The 33rd Team, he’s had a historic season for any defensive back, becoming the first DB this century to tally more than 100 tackles, 15 pass breakups, and five tackles for loss.
Brian Branch is the only DB this century to have a season with:
🦁 100+ Tackles
🦁 15+ PBUs
🦁 5+ TFLsAbsolute baller pic.twitter.com/FxyqeyQqOR
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 17, 2025
Branch ranked 17th among safeties ranked by Pro Football Focus this season, but first in run defense and second in pass defense. He was selected for the Pro Bowl, but didn’t make the cut for this year’s All-Pro team.
Branch will be pivotal Saturday night in the team’s Divisional Round matchup with the Washington Commanders. He’ll be one of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s best weapons against rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels’s balanced attack.
