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Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver DK Metcalf was 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 the league’s policy, which states 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 creates crowd control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”
Metcalf was seen grabbing the Lions fan’s shirt and Honolulu blue wig as he waved at him before heading back to the bench. The CBS broadcast captured the interaction, though officials did not see Metcalf involved in any incident as he continued to play in the 29-24 road win. He had four catches for 42 yards.
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ DK Metcalf 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 rather told the Detroit Free Press that he called Metcalf by his full name — DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf — and it sparked outrage.
“Kind of shocked. Like everybody’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled but I just want the Lions to win baby,” the fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, told the paper.
“What, my full name is not DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” he added. “He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and tore my shirt.”
Kennedy later issued a statement through a Michigan law firm saying allegations that he used hate speech were false.
The NFL told the Free Press it could not take action regarding an ejection because the incident did not take place on the field. But after clearly seeing Metcalf get involved, they imposed a massive suspension considering 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, CA. (Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
Metcalf will reportedly appeal the suspension.
Pittsburgh owns 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 one more win to win the division, but the absence of Metcalf could affect how the Steelers operate on offense.
The Steelers play 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 hadn’t had the opportunity 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.
