Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended two games by the National Football League for an altercation with a fan during his team’s 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports.
The NFL is suspending Steelers WR DK Metcalf two games without pay for physically confronting a Lions fan during Sunday’s win at Detroit, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 22, 2025
Metcalf, who had reported the same fan to security last season, plans to appeal. pic.twitter.com/c3EisNDHjD
Metcalf, who reported the same fan to security last season as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, plans to appeal.
This marked the fourth straight season in which Metcalf played at Ford Field.
In video captured by the CBS broadcast of Sunday’s game, Metcalf can be seen taking a swipe at a fan in a blue wig.
On Monday, the fan, who identified himself as Ryan Kennedy, denied uttering a racial slur towards the player in a statement released by a lawyer.
Ryan Kennedy, the fan involved in the DK Metcalf altercation Sunday, has issued a statement through an attorney “categorically denying using the “N-word,” the “C-word,” or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 22, 2025
“These allegations are completely false.” pic.twitter.com/pQUbBYa0ww
A two-time Pro Bowler, Metcalf is in his seventh NFL season out of Ole Miss and first with the Steelers.
The suspension will sideline Metcalf for the remainder of the regular season.
