Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday was stained by DK Metcalf’s interaction with a fan at Ford Field. Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson said on Sunday night’s “Nightcap” podcast that Metcalf informed him of what the fan said that prompted him to react the way he did.
“I got word — obviously, I’m not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching a fan — but he did call him a racial slur,” Johnson said. “He called him the n-word and he did call his mom a cunt. I think, with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, I think that’s where the action occurred.
“That’s a bad combination (of words) … and it caused DK to react. I’m sure he will have to deal with some type of discipline. You know how the NFL is. No matter what’s said, they want you to be able to control yourself in that situation, but I understand.”
#Steelers WR DK Metcalf didn’t seem too bothered by his full name when I talked to him about the backstory of his nickname last month.
"Anybody that knows me truly, they call me DeKaylin or Kaylin. Anybody else, they just call me DK."
He added that he was always annoyed that… https://t.co/wSK0SDkzfe
— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) December 22, 2025
Metcalf finished the matchup with four receptions for 42 yards. He’s the Steelers’ leading pass-catcher on the season, but now awaits the league’s reaction to the situation.
“I think the guy was giving his side of it and he said all he did was call him by his government name, and I’m like, ‘I’m sure a lot of people call him (by that),” podcast co-host Shannon Sharpe said. “I said, ‘That’s a strong overreaction for someone to call you (by) your government name.’ … I’m sure somebody that was close by would’ve heard what he said. It’s gonna come out.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Chad Johnson Reveals What Fan Really Said to Steelers WR DK Metcalf
