Shocking Video: Steelers Wide Receiver Punches Lions Fan in the Face in Middle of Sunday Game
The NFL is reviewing an incident in which Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf made contact with a Detroit Lions fan during Pittsburgh’s 29-24 win. Video shows Metcalf swipe or shove at the spectator near the end of the first half after the fan – identified as Ryan Kennedy of Pinckney, Michigan – said something and held a “4” Pittsburgh jersey; Kennedy says he called Metcalf by his full name and that Metcalf grabbed and tore his shirt. Metcalf left the stadium without speaking to reporters. Detroit officials spoke with the fan, who was not ejected, and league and broadcast analysts said on-field officials did not see the incident, so no in-game penalty was assessed; the matter has been forwarded to NFL compliance for review. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he’d heard about it but had not yet seen the video or talked with Metcalf.
A Sunday incident between Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf and a Detroit Lions fan will be reviewed by the NFL, according to a new report.
The incident took place during Pittsburgh’s 29-24 victory over Detroit. A league source said the incident is being reviewed by league officials, according to NBC.
“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, according to ESPN.
“Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said, and you saw the swipe there. No Steelers came over to him and mentioned anything,” he said.
NEW: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf throws a punch at a Detroit Lions fan during their game Sunday.
The incident happened at the end of the first half.
The Detroit Free Press tracked down the fan and asked what he said to Metcalf.
“What, my full name isn’t is… pic.twitter.com/71QacJBPJO
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 21, 2025
Metcalf left after the game without speaking to reporters.
Ryan Kennedy of Pinckney, Michigan. Said he was “a little shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby,” according to the Detroit Free Press.
“My words don’t matter because it was on camera,” he said, initially telling the outlet, “My name is ‘Biggest Detroit Lions Fan Ever that got attacked by DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.’”
When asked to explain the incident, Kennedy said, “What, my full name isn’t, is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.”
From this angle, looks like Metcalf grabs the fan by the shirt collar and then shoves him back as he releases it. pic.twitter.com/c3o58PW1fb
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 22, 2025
“He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. 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,” he said.
Detroit Lions officials spoke to the fan, who was not ejected.
NFL officials said there was no basis in the rules for ejecting Metcalf.
CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore said no penalty could be called because officials did not see the incident, according to CBS.
“Because the officials did not see this — and (you) wouldn’t expect them to from where DK Metcalf was, it’s not something they can weigh in to from an officiating standpoint,” he said.
“I have been notified, though, that will be delivered to compliance with the NFL, and they’ll address it at that point,” Steratore said.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game he was aware of the incident, according to NFL.com.
“I heard about it but I haven’t seen it,” Tomlin said. “I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to DK, and so I have no comment.”
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