Brooke PryorDec 21, 2025, 05:55 PM ETCloseBrooke Pryor is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. She previously covered the Kansas City Chiefs for the Kansas City Star and the University of Oklahoma for The Oklahoman.Follow on X
DK Metcalf shoves a fan during game in Detroit (0:16)DK Metcalf has an altercation with a fan in the stands and shoves him. (0:16)
DETROIT — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was involved in an altercation with a fan at Ford Field during the second quarter of Sunday’s 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions.
The CBS broadcast showed Metcalf talking to the fan, who was in a blue wig and hanging over the first-row railing.
“He came over because the fan in the stands was holding a ‘4’ Pittsburgh jersey, he went over, and the fan said something to him,” CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said on the broadcast. “Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said, and you saw the swipe there. No Steelers came over to him and mentioned anything.”
The Detroit Free Press spoke to the fan, who identified himself as Ryan Kennedy from Pinckney, Michigan. He said he called Metcalf by his full name — DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf — prompting the interaction.
“I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt,” Kennedy told the Free Press. “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.”
The Steelers’ offense had struggled to the point of the altercation, recording only 68 yards in four possessions.
Metcalf reentered the game on the Steelers’ next series. He was called for pass interference, prompting a loud response from the Detroit crowd. Metcalf returned to play in the second half as well and had a first-down catch on the Steelers’ opening drive of the third quarter. He finished with four catches for 42 yards as the Steelers held off the Lions.
Because no flag was thrown during the incident with the fan, the NFL cannot weigh in on a disqualification, which is why Metcalf could continue playing. The league will review the incident and Metcalf could face discipline.
DK Metcalf shoves a fan during game in Detroit (0:16)DK Metcalf has an altercation with a fan in the stands and shoves him. (0:16)
CloseBrooke Pryor is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. She previously covered the Kansas City Chiefs for the Kansas City Star and the University of Oklahoma for The Oklahoman.Follow on X
Metcalf exited the locker room without taking questions from reporters after the win.
The fan was not removed from the game, the Lions told the Free Press.
DK Metcalf has an altercation with a fan in the stands and shoves him. (0:16)