Green Bay Packers legend, who won the Comeback Player of the Year award, appointed by the NFL and NFLPA as the hearing officer in the controversial Brian Branch suspension, sparking debate across the NFL community

Green Bay Packers legend, who won the Comeback Player of the Year award, appointed by the NFL and NFLPA as the hearing officer in the controversial Brian Branch suspension, sparking debate across the NFL community

Green Bay, Wisconsin – October 16, 2025

In one of the most talked-about disciplinary rulings of the week, Green Bay Packers legend Jordy Nelson was appointed as the hearing officer in the appeal of Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch, who received a one-game suspension following a postgame altercation with JuJu Smith-Schuster of the Kansas City Chiefs.

The incident took place right after Detroit’s loss to Kansas City, when Branch lost his composure and got into a physical confrontation with Smith-Schuster, which quickly escalated into a brief brawl. The NFL promptly issued a one-game suspension, citing conduct that was “entirely unwarranted, dangerous, and in violation of the league’s standards of sportsmanship.”

“Your aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players,” wrote NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan in a letter to Branch.

Branch later admitted that his reaction was “childish,” saying he was frustrated by players “getting away with cheap shots” during plays.

“I shouldn’t have done it. It was childish,” Branch said.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell didn’t hold back either:

“I love Brian Branch, but what he did was inexcusable,” Campbell said. “That’s not who we are. I apologize to Coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs, and JuJu. It’s not acceptable here, and it won’t happen again.”

Despite Branch’s apology, his appeal was denied on Wednesday, with Jordy Nelson—jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA—serving as the final arbiter. The decision quickly drew attention since Nelson is a Packers icon, and Green Bay is one of Detroit’s fiercest division rivals in the NFC North.

Nelson, however, addressed the controversy head-on, defending his impartiality:

“I understand why people might question it because of my history with the Packers,” Nelson said. “But when you’re given this responsibility, you have to put every jersey aside. No matter what, I stand for fairness. The NFL deserves that.”

While the league insists that hearing officers act independently, the case underscores the delicate balance between procedural fairness and public perception. For Brian Branch, it’s time to move forward — and for Jordy Nelson, it’s a reminder that even legends aren’t immune to scrutiny when old rivalries resurface.