4t BREAKING: Patrick Mahomes Speaks Out on Postgame Incident Involving Brian Branch and JuJu Smith-Schuster – “He Even Refused to Shake My Hand Before That”
Patrick Mahomes Speaks Out on Postgame Incident Involving Brian Branch and JuJu Smith-Schuster – “He Even Refused to Shake My Hand Before That”
Kansas City, Missouri
What should have been a clean, satisfying 30–17 victory for the Kansas City Chiefs over the Detroit Lions quickly took a turn after the final whistle, when a heated altercation between Brian Branch and JuJu Smith-Schuster broke out — leaving both teams momentarily in chaos and Patrick Mahomes visibly displeased.
The incident began right after the Chiefs’ final kneel-down to seal the win. As Mahomes approached Lions safety Brian Branch for a postgame handshake, cameras caught Branch coldly turning away, refusing to shake the quarterback’s hand. Moments later, Smith-Schuster, clearly upset by the gesture, walked toward Branch and exchanged words with him near midfield.
In an instant, Branch swung an open hand and struck Smith-Schuster, sparking a brief sideline brawl as players from both teams rushed in to defend their teammates. Referees and security personnel had to intervene quickly, while JuJu was later seen leaving the field with a towel pressed to his face and frustration written all over him.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Mahomes didn’t hold back his disappointment over what had transpired, saying the entire situation left a sour impression on him.
“He even refused to shake my hand before that, and then acted like that toward JuJu. We play the game in between the whistles. They can do all the extracurricular stuff they want to do, but we play the game the right way.”
Mahomes’ comments underscored his belief in respect and sportsmanship, values he said should remain intact regardless of the score or rivalry.
The moment may have lasted only a few seconds, but for Mahomes, it was enough to leave a lasting impression — not because of the punch, but because a simple handshake turned into a reminder of how easily respect can be lost after the final whistle.
