Total Pro Sports
The NFL has made a decision on a potential punishment for the Detroit Lions fan who was punched by DK Metcalf on Sunday.
During the second quarter of Sunday’s game between the Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers, cameras showed DK Metcalf and the Lions fan exchanging words in a testy scene. Apparently upset by something the fan said, Metcalf punched him in the face before walking away.
On Monday, the NFL announced that Metcalf was suspended two games for the incident. As for the Lions fan?
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the league and Lions won’t take any action against the fan. Pelissero states that the Lions supporter, since identified as Ryan Kennedy, didn’t actually violate the league’s fan code of conduct.
Meanwhile, the NFL and the Lions will not take action against the fan involved in the altercation with Steelers WR DK Metcalf on Sunday in Detroit because "there was no violation of the fan code of conduct," per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 24, 2025
Kennedy claims that Metcalf was unhappy when he addressed the star wide receiver by his full name, which is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf. The 28-year-old declined to speak to reporters after the game and still hasn’t given his side of the story.
According to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones, Metcalf’s suspension could cost him more than a couple of game checks.
Metcalf signed a four-year deal worth $132 million after coming over via trade with the Seattle Seahawks. However, $45 million of that could be voided because of some specific language in his contract, per Jones:
“His four-year, $132 million contract from March, reviewed by CBS Sports, notes that if he “fails… to practice or play with the Club for any reason,” which includes “Player’s suspension by the NFL or Club for Conduct Detrimental,” his guarantees “will be NULL AND VOID.”
Of course, this becomes a moot point if Metcalf stays healthy in 2026 and 2027. He just has to perform up to his Pro Bowl-caliber standards. His 2025 regular season ends with 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns.
Pittsburgh just needs to win one of its final two games, or one more Baltimore Ravens loss, to secure the AFC North. Metcalf would be eligible to return in the postseason.
