Falcons rookie WR Zachariah Branch cleared of misdemeanor charges

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One week before he was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Zachariah Branch was arrested in Athens, Georgia on two misdemeanor charges for obstruction of a public sidewalk and failure to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands.

On Wednesday, ESPN reported that both charges against the rookie wide receiver had been dropped. According to Branch's lawyer, Georgia state prosecutors reviewed videos of the incident and decided to dismiss all charges.

Branch's attorney, Kim Stephens, told ESPN on Wednesday that Georgia state prosecutors reviewed the evidence, including videos of the incident, and dismissed 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," Stephens said. "We are glad this matter is over and that Mr. Branch's excellent reputation and good name [are] restored." -Mark Schlabach, ESPN

Branch is likely thrilled to leave this matter behind him, but why was he even charged in the first place? Based on the police report below, it sounds like Branch probably shouldn't have been arrested.

Police report on Branch's obstruction arrest:​

A male, later identified as [Zachariah] Branch, continued to stand on the sidewalk without making an attempt to move. I continued to give Zachariah Branch verbal commands to move from blocking the sidewalk and advised that if he did not, he would receive a citation for blocking the sidewalk. Zachariah Branch smirked, then stepped backwards and to the right, then remained standing upon the public sidewalk, so as to obstruct, hinder, and impede free passage upon the sidewalk as well as impede free ingress/egress to or from the adjacent places of business. Due to those actions and Zachariah Branch’s failure to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands, he was placed under arrest for misdemeanor Obstruction of LEO and received a citation for Obstructing Public Sidewalks.

Now that the matter is behind him, Branch can get back to focusing on his new job with the Falcons. The former Georgia standout recorded 81 catches for 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns for the Bulldogs last season, and will look to bring that production to Atlanta in 2026.

The former third-round pick has already made a good impression on his coaching staff and teammates. Here's a clip of Branch and the rest of the Falcons wide receivers going through drills at OTAs.

Some clips of #Falcons WRs going through drills on Tuesday OTAs.

Zachariah Branch's ability to move is insane. pic.twitter.com/3cv9QyPuys

— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) May 19, 2026

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch's misdemeanor charges dismissed

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