Falcons rookie receiver Zachariah Branch has his charges dropped, his attorney told multiple outlets.
The pass-catcher was arrested back in April on two obstructing charges. One was for obstructing a sidewalk, and another was for obstructing law enforcement.
That night, Branch posted the $39 bail. His arrest came just four days before his NFL dreams became a reality, when he was drafted by the Falcons in the third round.
The incident occurred around 12:20 a.m. near a crowded bar as multiple people were trying to enter.
“The crowd was blocking the entrance, and individuals were attempting to enter the establishment despite it not being open for entry at that time,” according to the police statement.
“Officers issued multiple lawful commands directing the crowd to clear the sidewalk. Zachariah Branch was specifically given verbal commands to disperse but refused to comply. As a result, Mr. Branch was placed under arrest and charged with obstruction. He was also cited for obstructing a public sidewalk.”
On Wednesday, Georgia state prosecutors watched the footage of that night and decided to dismiss the charges.
“Zachariah cooperated fully with law enforcement and did not commit a crime on the night of his arrest and never should have been arrested,” Branch’s attorney, Kim Stephens, told ESPN. “We are glad this matter is over and that Mr. Branch’s excellent reputation and good name (are) restored.”
Branch was a late riser in the 2026 NFL Draft. His blazing 4.35 combine turned scouts’ heads and made him soar up draft boards. The wide receiver played for Georgia in 2025 after transferring from USC
While with the Bulldogs, he set the school’s single-season receptions record with 81 catches. With those catches, he tallied 811 yards and six touchdowns.
Branch was not the only young Falcons player who had a run-in with the law. James Pearce was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking after an incident with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson
Pearce opted to enroll in a one-year diversion program to have his charges dropped if he completes it.
Branch joins the Falcons, who have a desperate need for a receiver to pair with Drake London, who recently agreed to a four-year, $141 million contract extension. The Falcons were just one game away from reaching the NFL playoffs in 2025.
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