The Detroit Lions’ Week 9 clash against the Green Bay Packers may have sparked controversy, but it also birthed an iconic moment for rookie Brian Branch. After being ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers wide receiver Bo Melton, Branch famously flipped off the Lambeau Field crowd as he exited the game. The gesture quickly became a viral meme, cementing itself in Detroit sports culture.
Branch’s teammate, Kerby Joseph, added to the legend by printing shirts featuring the moment and distributing them in the Lions’ locker room. The team embraced the defiant image with humor and pride, embodying the gritty spirit that has defined their standout season.
Ahead of their highly anticipated Thursday night rematch, Joseph and other Lions defenders wore the shirts during warmups at Ford Field, further stoking the rivalry. With the Lions sitting at 11-1 and the Packers close behind at 9-3, the game carries major implications for the NFC North title race and playoff positioning.
The rematch isn’t just about securing a win—it’s about reinforcing Detroit’s hard-nosed identity in one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries.