Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is likely wishing he could have a redo one of moment from Sunday’s Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
The Steelers held on for a controversial 29-24 win to move to 9-6 and stay ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North playoff race.
However, Metcalf was part of an even bigger controversy when he was caught on camera physically assaulting one Lions fan on the sideline in the second quarter.
Twenty-four hours later, more details have emerged on what sparked the incident.
NFL Insider Sheds Light on What Provoked Metcalf
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero disclosed on Monday that Metcalf actually has a history with the fan whom he punched.
“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,” Pelissero wrote .
“A source close to Metcalf says the fan, who identified himself to the @freep as Ryan Kennedy, called Metcalf’s mom a derogatory word and called Metcalf ‘something we both know you don’t call a black man,’” he added in a follow-up tweet. “The fan claims Metcalf was upset about being called his full legal name.”
Metcalf was suspended two games by the NFL without pay. He’ll miss Pittsburgh’s final two regular season games against the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens — a brutal blow to the team’s playoff chances.
The Steelers are two games ahead of the Ravens for the AFC North lead. However, if they lose their final two games and the Ravens win out, Baltimore would win the division.
Lions Fan Breaks Silence on Incident
Kennedy issued a statement through his attorney denying using any of the language Metcalf accused him of while stating witnesses don’t support the claims that he used any sort of racially insensitive language.
“Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the ‘N-word,’ the ‘C-word,’ or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident that occurred on December 21, 2025, at Ford Field during the Pittsburgh Steelers-Detroit Lions game,” he said, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor .
“These allegations are completely false. At no point before, during, or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind. The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contemporaneous reporting. Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language during any interaction with Mr. Metcalf or any other players in the past.
“Since these false statements began circulating publicly, Mr. Kennedy has been subjected to harassment, threats, and messages advocating violence, creating serious concern for his and his family’s personal safety and well-being. No private individual should be falsely branded with such accusations or exposed to threats based on misinformation.
“Mr. Kennedy is a lifelong Detroit Lions football fan who attended the game lawfully and never anticipated becoming the subject of national attention, much less false accusations of racism. He respects the game, the players, and fellow fans — and he rejects hate and discrimination in all forms.”
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