An altercation between DK Metcalf and a Detroit Lions fan became quite the story on Sunday afternoon. Now, that fan has provided their comments about the situation.
Videos by FanBuzz
The Detroit Free Press caught up with the fan after the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver took a swing at him. This fan, Ryan Kennedy from Pinckney, Michigan, told the outlet that he was "a little shocked" by the incident but that he just wanted the Lions to win.
So what led to this altercation? As Kennedy told the Free Press, he called Metcalf by his "government name," DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf. He indicated that this led Metcalf to grab his shirt before swinging at him.
Another angle of the DK Metcalf incident with a #Lions fan during Sunday’s game:
(via alexhamed3/IG, h/t @BussinWTB)pic.twitter.com/YTEjVwDZco https://t.co/d0lOJ9lu8e
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 22, 2025
"He doesn't like his government name," Kennedy said. "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."
The Lions did not eject Kennedy from the game for his role in the altercation, nor did the officials eject Metcalf for swinging at a fan. They did not throw a flag, so this was not a reviewable moment from the game.
The former Seahawks receiver remained in the game as the Steelers delivered a stunning 29-24 win at Ford Field, thanks to an offensive pass interference penalty on the final play of the game. Metcalf ended the day with four receptions for 42 yards. He also received a penalty for offensive pass interference during the first half.
Metcalf did not speak to reporters about this incident. He left the locker room after the win, per beat reporter Nick Farabaugh. However, head coach Mike Tomlin made brief comments during his post-game media session.
"I heard about it, but I hadn't seen it. I haven't got a chance to talk to DK, so I have no comment," Tomlin told reporters.
Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson provided a different perspective. He said on the "Nightcap" show with Shannon Sharpe that Metcalf told him the fan had used a racial slur.
"I got word, obviously, I'm not condoning putting your hands on the fan or punching the fan, but he did call (Metcalf) a racial slur," Johnson said. "He called him the N-word, and he did call his mom a c—-. I think with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, that's where the action occurred."
The Steelers have departed Detroit after the win, but the story is not yet over. The team and Metcalf will now wait to hear from the NFL about any potential punishments.
