Chiefs Fight After Game: What Actually Happened Between Kansas City and Detroit Players

A heated postgame fight broke out between the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions after their Week 6 matchup on October 12, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs’ 30-17 win was overshadowed by the chaotic scene, sparked when Lions safety Brian Branch slapped Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster after refusing a postgame handshake.

The incident quickly escalated, with multiple players from both teams joining the scuffle as tensions boiled over from a physical and emotional game. Officials and coaches rushed in to separate the teams, but not before the altercation became one of the most talked-about moments of the NFL weekend.

How the Chiefs-Lions Fight Started After the Game

Moments after the final whistle, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes approached Brian Branch to offer a high-five, but Branch refused. Juju Smith-Schuster then stepped in to confront Branch, who responded by slapping Smith-Schuster’s helmet, sending him to the ground. Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco attempted to de-escalate by pushing Branch away, but Smith-Schuster retaliated by charging at Branch and knocking him over.

That sparked a larger melee, with players from both sides rushing toward the confrontation. The brawl spilled toward the sideline before being broken up by coaches and stadium security. Video footage quickly spread on social media, drawing strong reactions from fans and analysts.

Branch later admitted fault for his role in the incident, telling reporters, “I did a real childish thing. I’m tired of people doing stuff in between plays and refs don’t catch it. They’re trying to bully me out there. I shouldn’t have did it. It was childish.”

The 23-year-old safety also alleged that Smith-Schuster had been illegally blocking him during the game: “I got blocked in the back illegally, and it was in front of the ref. The ref didn’t do anything. I could’ve got hurt off of that, but I still should not have done that.”

Reactions From Players and Coaches

Smith-Schuster expressed surprise at Branch’s reaction, telling reporters, “He’s a great player. After the game, I expected to shake his hand and say ‘good game’ and move past, but he threw a punch.”

He added that physical play and trash talk are part of the sport but need to stay within the game’s confines. “Me just blocking him, just doing my job. I play between the whistles, and after the game he took advantage of what he did. He was frustrated. I know he’s a better player than that and a better person, so he’ll learn from his mistakes.”

Lions head coach Dan Campbell strongly condemned Branch’s behavior during his postgame press conference. “Let me start with this. I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable and it’s not going to be accepted here,” Campbell said. “It’s not what we do, it’s not what we’re about. I apologized to Coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs and to Smith-Schuster. That’s not OK. He knows it, our team knows it. That’s not what we do.”

Mahomes also addressed the incident, emphasizing the Chiefs’ focus on discipline. “We play the game in between the whistles,” Mahomes told NBC’s Melissa Stark. “They can do all the extracurricular stuff they want to do, but we play the game in between the whistles.”

What Happens Next and Potential Discipline

Branch, now in his third NFL season after being drafted by Detroit in the second round of the 2023 draft, is no stranger to disciplinary scrutiny. He received seven fines last season and has already been fined three times this year. The NFL is expected to review the incident for potential fines or suspensions for those involved, particularly Branch and Smith-Schuster.

The altercation also raises broader questions about sportsmanship and postgame conduct. While physical play is inherent to football, league officials have consistently stressed the importance of player behavior after the whistle. Postgame fights often draw disciplinary action, especially when they involve striking an opponent, as Branch admitted to doing.

The Chiefs’ win improved their record to 5-1, while the Lions dropped to 3-3. But the fight ensured that the final score wasn’t the only thing fans were talking about — leaving the NFL to decide whether more consequences are coming after one of the season’s most dramatic scenes yet.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Chiefs and Lions players fight after the game?

The fight began when Lions safety Brian Branch slapped Chiefs receiver Juju Smith-Schuster after refusing a handshake, escalating into a larger brawl.

Q2: Did Brian Branch apologize for his actions?

Yes. Branch admitted he acted “childishly” and said he should not have slapped Smith-Schuster, even though he felt provoked by in-game actions.

Q3: Will the NFL discipline players involved in the fight?

The league is expected to review the incident. Branch and others involved could face fines or suspensions based on the findings.

Q4: What did Dan Campbell say about the fight?

Campbell condemned Branch’s behavior as “inexcusable,” apologized to the Chiefs, and said such actions are “not what we do” as a team.

Q5: How did Patrick Mahomes react?

Mahomes emphasized that the Chiefs “play the game in between the whistles” and try not to get caught up in extracurricular conflicts.