Brian Branch picks off Patrick Mahomes on tip drill for first NFL touchdown

It didn’t take long for Brian Branch to make a name for himself in the NFL. In the third quarter of the Chiefs-Lions opener, the Detroit defensive back recorded a pick-six off league MVP Patrick Mahomes.

Branch’s pick-six game early in the third quarter with Detroit trailing Kansas City 14-7. The pass was intended for Kadarius Toney, but the ball was tipped up and the former Alabama standout made the play.

The touchdown was (obviously) the first of Branch’s NFL career. It was only the third time Mahomes has thrown a pick-six in his career. Below is the exciting clip from the ex-Alabama star’s first career touchdown in the NFL:

Tip drill! #Lions rookie Brian Branch picks off Patrick Mahomes on a pass intended for Kadarius Toney and takes it back to the house for a Detroit TD.

The Lions have been RAVING about Branch all of camp. pic.twitter.com/lhmhdTUg7A

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2023

Branch was a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Detroit was high on his ability throughout training camp, and he’s clearly living up to the hype.

Brian Branch not afraid of the moment

Making the transition from college to the NFL can be tricky for any player. Just getting on the field in Week 1 is an impressive accomplishment. But Branch wasn’t satisfied with that.

Branch made a huge play against a two-time league MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion. Mahomes is regarded as the best quarterback in the NFL right now. So recording a pick-six against the star QB in your first game? And to do it on the road in Kansas City?

That’s impressive stuff.

Detroit selected Branch in the second round after a big year at Alabama. In 2022, the defensive back piled up 90 tackles, including 14 for loss. He also defended seven passes and hauled in two picks for the Crimson Tide.

If he continues to make plays like in Thursday night’s NFL opener, Branch is on the path to a very successful NFL career.

New era for the Detroit Lions

For the first time in a long time — maybe ever — there’s a ton of hype surrounding the Lions. With Jared Goff under center, a high-powered defense and plenty more, Detroit entered the 2023 campaign as the favorite to win the NFC North.

The Lions have never won the division.

Detroit hopes to capitalize on a talented roster and return to the playoffs. The way the defense played on Thursday night against a high-powered offense, it certainly has a chance.