Steelers Now
The NFL and the Detroit Lions are still investigating whether or not they will take any action against Lions fan Ryan Kennedy for inciting the incident between him and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf on Sunday, according to a report by NFL Network.
Metcalf and Kennedy reportedly had history before Sunday’s altercation, and reported Kennedy to Ford Field security during a game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Lions in 2024. It’s not clear what Metcalf alleged Kennedy of doing at that time, but the Lions did not take any action against him then or prevent him from being at Sunday’s game against the Steelers.
Metcalf has not spoken publicly since the incident, but several reports from individuals that say they have spoken to Metcalf allege that Kennedy used a racial slur, which would violate the NFL’s fan conduct policy.
Kennedy, in a statement through an attorney, vehemently denied having done so, and the NFL’s lack of action suggests that the league was unable to corroborate Metcalf’s claim:
“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 Dec. 21, 2025 at Ford Field during the Pittsburgh Steelers-Detroit Lions game. These allegations are completely false.”
Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press on Sunday that Metcalf was upset because Kennedy called him by his full name.
Metcalf told Steelers Now earlier this season that he prefers his full name.
“People always used to call me, ‘Oh, you’re Terrence’s son. Or Big Cat’s son, or Metcalf’s son, and (I thought), ‘Nah, I got a fuckin’ name. My name is DeKaylin Metcalf.’”
In addition investigating Kennedy, the NFL upheld a two-game suspension for Metcalf on Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: NFL Still Investigating Fan at Center of DK Metcalf Incident
