Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was involved in a heated exchange with a Detroit Lions fan near the sidelines in the second quarter of the Week 16 game. However, according to the latest report, it might not be an isolated incident.
The altercation happened in the second quarter when Metcalf approached a fan near the sidelines. The fan was wearing a blue wig and was supporting the Lions. After a brief interaction, something happened, which led Metcalf to punch the fan and move away.
Since then, numerous details have emerged regarding the incident. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Metcalf shares a history with the same Lions fan whom he confronted on Sunday. Last season, the wide receiver, who was playing for the Seattle Seahawks, reported the same fan to the Seahawks security. Pelissero also mentioned that the NFL is looking into this incident and may take discipline Metcalf.
Steelers WR DK Metcalf had a history with the Lions fan he confronted Sunday — Metcalf reported the same fan to Seahawks security last season while playing for Seattle, sources say.
The NFL is reviewing the incident for potential discipline.pic.twitter.com/ZYbAGdOWub
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 22, 2025
Lions Fan Reveals Details of Why DK Metcalf Punched Him
The Lions fan who was involved in an altercation with DK Metcalf is now identified as Ryan Kennedy from Michigan. As per his account, Kennedy called Metcalf by his full given name, “DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” which triggered the incident.
“What, my full name isn’t is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” Kennedy told Detroit Free Press. “He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. I’m a little shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.”
Despite the fan’s account to the Detroit Free Press, former NFL star Chad Johnson believes the fan might have used provocative language that triggered such kind of response from the Steelers wide receiver.
“He did call him a racial slur,” Johnson told Nightcap co-host Shannon Sharpe Monday morning. “He called him the N-word and he did call his mom a [c-word]. And I think with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, I think that’s where the action occurred where where I think he threw a punch. I’m not sure if he connected or whatever. But he did call him the N-word and he called his mama, I guess the C-word.”
Johnson confirmed that this account of details was given to him by Metcalf himself.
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