Dan Skipper Calls Out NFL Over Deleted Brian Branch Video After Lions’ Controversial Loss to Chiefs
The Detroit Lions’ 30-17 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium has continued to spark debate, largely due to a series of controversial officiating decisions and post-game incidents.
One of the biggest talking points came when Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected following a post-game scuffle. Fans and analysts alike criticized the NFL’s handling of both Branch’s ejection and the earlier decision to overturn Jared Goff’s first-quarter touchdown, which would have given Detroit an early 7–0 lead.
The controversy deepened on Thursday when the NFL’s official media team posted a video on social media highlighting Branch’s performance, accompanied by commentary from ESPN analyst Louis Riddick. The clip appeared to link Branch’s struggles in the game to his involvement in the post-game brawl — an angle many felt unfairly singled him out.
The league later deleted the video, but not before it drew a strong reaction from Lions players, including offensive tackle Dan Skipper, who took to X to call out the NFL directly.
Skipper’s Fiery Response
Known as a fan favorite in Detroit, Skipper didn’t hold back his frustration with the league’s media department. In a pointed post to @NFLFilms, he wrote:
“Hey @NFLFilms y’all wanna post a bunch of BS and then won’t stand on business? Feel free to go into a deeper dive in some of the other storylines. #soft.”
The post quickly went viral, amassing over 200,000 views within hours as fans rallied behind the Lions lineman.
Riddick’s original commentary in the now-deleted video criticized Branch’s performance, saying:
“It was a long game for Lions safety Brian Branch, number 32. He got burned by Travis Kelce, showed up by Patrick Mahomes, juked by Xavier Worthy, and took a shot from JuJu Smith-Schuster. The turning point led to Branch’s boiling point.”
Teammates Join the Criticism
Defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who is expected to return from injury for Detroit’s matchup against the Buccaneers, also voiced his disapproval of the league’s actions.
“This is so weird to me,” McNeill reportedly wrote. “SMH — folks will always coon for clicks tho.”
The Lions have since appealed Branch’s one-game suspension, but the NFL denied the appeal. The former Alabama standout will miss Monday night’s game against Tampa Bay, though he’ll be eligible to return to the active roster the following day.
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