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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended for two games after throwing a punch at a Detroit Lions fan during a game over the weekend.
The NFL said Metcalf violated league policy, clarifying that “players may not enter the stands or confront fans at any time on game day and…if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in a manner that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held responsible.”
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on October 12, 2025. (Barry Reeger/Imagn Images)
Metcalf reportedly plans to appeal the suspension – for good reason.
The star player signed a four-year, $132 million contract extension with the Steelers after being acquired from the Seattle Seahawks. The deal included $60 million in guaranteed money between his signing bonus and 2025 and 2026 salaries, according to Spotrac.
The suspension offers a warning. That would wipe out the remainder of his salary for this season and $45 million in future guarantees, if the Steelers choose to do so, according to the NFL Network. He would be owed $25 million in fully guaranteed cash in 2026 and $20 million in injury guarantees.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) makes a catch against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field on November 23, 2025. (Mike Dinovo/Imagn Images)
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Metcalf was previously fined $12,172 for fighting during a game against the Green Bay Packers and $14,491 for a lewd gesture during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
The veteran player has not spoken about the incident or made accusations about what the Lions fan may have said to him. The CBS broadcast just showed Metcalf pulling the fan by the shirt and throwing a punch.
The NFL Network reported that the fan made disparaging remarks about the wide receiver.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on August 16, 2025. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
The fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, denied making such comments in a statement through a Michigan law firm. Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press that he heckled Metcalf by calling him by his full name.
