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Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended two games by the NFL for an altercation with a fan during the team’s win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
The league said Metcalf’s actions violated league policy, which states 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.”
Metcalf was seen grabbing the Lions fan’s shirt and Honolulu blue wig, while throwing a punch at him before returning to the bench. The CBS broadcast captured the interaction, although officials did not see Metcalf involved in any incidents as he continued to play in the 29-24 road victory. He had four catches for 42 yards.
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DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers wipes his face on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)
The fan in question, identified as Ryan Kennedy, denied using explicit or derogatory language toward Metcalf, but instead told the Detroit Free Press that he called Metcalf by his full name — DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf — and that sparked the furor.
“A little shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little shaken, but I just want the Lions to win, baby,” the fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, told the newspaper.
“What, my full name is not DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” he added. “He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that, then he grabbed me and tore my shirt.”
Kennedy later released a statement through a Michigan law firm, saying accusations that he used hateful language were false.
The NFL told the Free Press it could not intervene regarding an ejection because the incident did not occur on the field. But after clearly seeing Metcalf getting involved, they issued a massive suspension given the Steelers’ playoff hopes.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers on November 9, 2025 at SOFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. (Jevone Moore/Sportswire Icon)
Metcalf would appeal the suspension.
Pittsburgh has a two-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North after the latter fell to the New England Patriots on Sunday night. The Steelers need another win to clinch the division, but Metcalf’s absence could affect how the Steelers operate on offense.
The Steelers will face the 3-12 Cleveland Browns in Week 17, followed by a regular season finale against the Ravens at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh in Week 18.
“I heard about it, but I hadn’t seen it,” head coach Mike Tomlin said of Metcalf’s incident after the game. “I didn’t have a chance to talk to DK.”
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Metcalf did not meet with the media after the game. He has the right to appeal the suspension if he wishes.
