Falcons players criticize for making rookie Zachariah Branch cover $35,000 dinner bill

Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch faced a dinner bill of approximately $35,000 after his teammates, including Kyle Pitts, tasked him with covering expenses during an outing. This dinner, part of a controversial NFL tradition for rookies, has sparked a backlash among fans who label it as hazing. Critics argue that such practices can lead to poor financial habits for new players, who are expected to treat veterans to costly meals as a rite of passage. Despite the negative reception, Pitts reportedly reassured Branch that he would not be left to navigate the costs alone. Branch was the 79th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on a four-year rookie contract worth about $7 million.

• 11:35 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Worst Tradition’, ‘Why Dudes Go Broke’ — NFL Fans Rip Falcons Players for Making Rookie Zachariah Branch Pay $35,000 Dinner Bill