Steelers Now
DETROIT — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not have any comments on the DK Metcalf altercation with a fan in the second quarter of Sunday’s win over the Detroit Lions.
While the Steelers were on defense, Metcalf got into it with the fan, who was sitting in the front row. Metcalf grabbed the fan by his shirt and swiped at him. He didn’t hit him directly, but there was some contact.
“I heard about it, but I hadn’t seen it and I hadn’t had an opportunity to talk to DK and so I have no comment,” Tomlin said.
Was he aware of the incident at halftime or consider sitting Metcalf: “I don’t know when I was made aware of it,” Tomlin replied.
Metcalf left the locker room before media availability after the game.
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin doesn’t have any comments on the DK Metcalf incident as of right now pic.twitter.com/IJ6pyUyk8V
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 22, 2025
The Detroit Free Press tracked down the fan in the stands, who said Metcalf got upset after he called him by his full government name “DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.”
“What, my full name isn’t is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” the fan, who’s name is Ryan Kennedy said. “He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt.”
When initially asked what his name was, the fan said, “My name is ‘Biggest Detroit Lions Fan Ever that got attacked by DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.” He then admitted that his name was Ryan Kennedy and that he’s from Pinckney, Michigan.
The league most certainly will take action against Metcalf. He’ll receive a significant fine, maybe even a suspension for a game.
CBS rule analyst Gene Steratore said the officials couldn’t weigh on it from an officiating standpoint. The NFL will review this altercation for potential discipline, however.
The fan was not thrown out of the game, per the Lions, via the Detroit Press. Lions officials talked to him about the incident.
“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,” Kennedy said.
New angle just dropped of the DK Metcalf incident
(IG: alexhamed3) pic.twitter.com/lgPPQ1PfXt
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) December 22, 2025
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Tomlin Declines to Comment on Metcalf Altercation with Fan, NFL Investigating
