Aidan Hutchinson Calls Lions Teammate 'Most Badass' Player

Hutchinson praises defensive back Brian Branch's physicality and toughness.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 9:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Detroit Lions star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson has named teammate Brian Branch as the 'most badass' player he's ever lined up with. Hutchinson praised Branch's physical, violent style of play and said he has 'so much respect' for the defensive back's ability to deliver big hits and get back up unfazed. Hutchinson also discussed his intense practice battles with All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell, saying the competition has helped both players develop.

Why it matters

Hutchinson's comments highlight the tough, physical culture the Lions have built, with players like Branch and Sewell embodying that mentality. This type of culture can help drive a team's success, as players push each other to be their best. Hutchinson's respect for his teammates also speaks to the strong locker room chemistry the Lions have developed.

The details

Hutchinson said he has 'a ton of respect' for Branch's ability, particularly the way he can deliver big hits and then immediately get back up 'unfazed.' Hutchinson described the 'noise' of Branch's collisions as something that can be heard 'from the other side of the field.' As for his battles with Sewell in practice, Hutchinson said there is never any bad blood, just 'mutual respect and relentless competition' as they've both grown and developed over the years.

  • Hutchinson made these comments during Super Bowl radio row in 2026.

The players

Aidan Hutchinson

A star pass rusher for the Detroit Lions who was named to the Pro Bowl in 2025 after recording 14.5 sacks and 100 pressures.

Brian Branch

A hard-hitting defensive back for the Detroit Lions who Hutchinson calls the 'most badass' player he's ever lined up with.

Penei Sewell

An All-Pro offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions who has engaged in intense practice battles with Hutchinson, helping both players develop.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A lot of my impact is low-speed collisions, being at the line of scrimmage. But, when I'm setting an edge and I hear BB (Brian Branch) coming downhill, cracking helmets, and then he gets up, he's like unfazed, but the noise, you probably could hear it from the other side of the field. Man, I've got so much respect for that. It's why he's my 'badass' of the year for sure.”

— Aidan Hutchinson (ESPN)

“When I get to play against a guy of his caliber, and practice against a guy of his caliber, it only serves me so much better in the long (run). And I'm sure he would say the same about me, and that's why it works so well. And man, it's funny, we talk about it, you go back and you watch us, my rookie year and his second year, and how we both have grown and developed in the one-on-one's, the team run periods and every period, it's really, really crazy to see the development and it's really cool.”

— Aidan Hutchinson (ESPN)

The takeaway

Hutchinson's comments highlight the physical, tough culture the Detroit Lions have built, with players like Brian Branch and Penei Sewell embodying that mentality. This type of culture can help drive a team's success, as players push each other to be their best through intense, but respectful, competition.