Detroit Lions rookie Brian Branch introduces himself to the NFL in style with pick-six

Brian Branch knows how to make a debut.

The first interception for the Detroit Lions' second-round pick from the 2023 draft came in style. Branch intercepted a tipped Patrick Mahomes pass on a crossing route, immediately broke up field and beelined into the end zone in the third quarter on Thursday night.

Branch was touted as an immediate contributor by Lions coaches and teammates throughout the offseason, and it is easy to see why.

The interception provided a lifeline for the Lions, who found themselves trailing by a touchdown and shooting themselves in the foot on offense.

According to NBC, Branch is the first Lion with a pick-six in his debut since Hall of Fame cornerback Lem Barney in 1967.

To that point in the game, Branch had three tackles, two solos, while playing slot cornerback.

But, the injury bug struck just before the end of the third quarter, when Branch pulled up lame while chasing down a tackle. He was escorted off the field by trainers and went to straight to the locker room as they checked his right calf. The team announced it was cramps.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Detroit Lions' Brian Branch gets a pick-six off Mahomes in NFL debut