Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch reveals how Nick Saban "snuck a punch in" during a heated practice brawl at Alabama

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch recently recalled a heated incident that involved legendary coach Nick Saban during his time at Alabama. The former Tide star revealed how the seven-time national champion got into a physical altercation during a practice session.

On "The St. Brown Podcast" with his Lions teammate Amon Ra St. Brown last week, Branch spilled the beans on Saban's hilarious brawl with some of his Alabama players and staff.

"Well, you know, I had gotten into it one day at practice," Branch said. "And it was with Alamin and he had kinda hit me and snubbed me. His other offensive lineman came in and snuck me in there.

"The other partner came and it was like a defense vs. offense brawl, with the scout team offense. And Coach Saban got in and snuck a little punch with the offensive lineman."

Saban, one of the finest coaches in college football, spent 17 years at Alabama and won six national titles with the team. He left his role with the Tide and retired from coaching earlier this year in January.

Since stepping down from coaching, Saban has been working on ESPN's pregame show "College Football GameDay" as an analyst.

A look at Brian Branch's college football career under Nick Saban at Alabama before entering the NFL

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch - Source: Getty

Brian Branch played three seasons of college football at Alabama under Nick Saban. The safety won the national title in his first year with the team in the 2020 season.

Across three years with the Tide, Branch racked up 172 total tackles (111 solo tackles), 23 passes defended, four sacks and four interceptions. He also earned first-team All-American and second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors in his final season with Alabama.

Branch's stellar displays with the Tide saw the Detroit Lions swoop in for him in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. In his first season with the Lions, he was part of the Detroit team that reached the NFC championship game for the first time since the 1991 season.