Brian Branch wanted this moment and he got it.
The only 2023 NFL Draft prospect to attend Friday night’s green room festivities finally got to experience his moment in the spotlight.
Former Alabama safety Brian Branch fell out of the first round and decided to come back to Kansas City’s draft Central on Friday. He was the only player to come back and do so.
Quarterback Will Levis, pass rusher Keion White and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. attended on Thursday night without getting picked, and neither of them showed their face on Friday.
All of them got selected and that included former Alabama safety Brian Branch. The Detroit Lions traded up and picked him at No. 45.
He finally got his shot to hug Roger Goodell when he made his way to the stage.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
The Lions traded up with the Green Bay Packers to draft Branch. He is the first Alabama safety drafted since Xavier McKinney was also taken in the second round in 2020.
On the season, Branch was third on the team with 90 total tackles while adding three sacks and two interceptions. He was a three-year contributor for the Crimson Tide, becoming a starter in his sophomore season.
