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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was suspended for two games after throwing a punch at a Detroit Lions fan during a game over the weekend.
The NFL said Metcalf violated the league’s policy, specifying that “players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day, and if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on Oct. 12, 2025 (Barry Reeger/Imagn Images)
Metcalf reportedly plans to appeal the suspension — with 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 gives a warning. That would void the rest 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 was reportedly owed $25 million in fully guaranteed cash in 2026 and $20 million in injury guarantees.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) makes a tackle against the Chicago Bears in the first half at Soldier Field on Nov. 23, 2025. (Mike Dinovo/Imagn Images)
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Metcalf had already been fined $12,172 for fighting in a game against the Green Bay Packers and $14,491 for making an obscene gesture in a game against the Buffalo Bills.
The veteran player has not commented on the incident or made any allegations about what the Lions fan may have said to him. The CBS broadcast just showed Metcalf tugging at his shirt tab and swinging at him.
The NFL Network reported that the fan made derogatory remarks toward 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 cursed Metcalf by calling him by his full name.
