Steelers’ win over Lions marred by DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf fan altercation
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 23, 2025, 06:09 IST
<p>Steelers’ win over Lions marred by DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf fan altercation<br></p>
Image credit : AP
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Detroit Lions 29-24 at Ford Field, but the win was overshadowed by an incident involving wide receiver DK Metcalf and a fan. Metcalf appeared to grab and swipe at the fan during the second quarter and could face NFL discipline. Pittsburgh improved to 9-6 and stayed atop the AFC North
<p>Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf wipes his face on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)</p>
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Detroit Lions 29-24 on Sunday at Ford Field, but the focus shifted to an on-field incident involving wide receiver DK Metcalf and a fan. Metcalf approached a fan leaning over the front-row railing and grabbed his T-shirt, swiping him upward during the second quarter of the game.
The two-time pro baller and the fan who was wearing a blue wig and a black and blue shirt exchanged words before Metcalf pushed his right towards him. This incident was not penalized during the game, as officials did not see it, but Metcalf could face discipline from the NFL and a possible suspension ahead of Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Speaking to the reporters post-match, the Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, acknowledged the situation. “I heard about it, but I hadn’t seen it, I hadn’t had an opportunity to talk to DK.” Mike Tomlin said.
The American footballer did not comment on the incident and exited the locker room before media interviews began.
The Detroit Free Press identified the fan involved in the incident as Ryan Kennedy. Kennedy claimed Metcalf grabbed him and tore his shirt after Kennedy called him by his full name, “DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.”
In a statement to the Detroit Free Press, Kennedy said, "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.”
However, Metcalf finished with four receptions for 42 yards on nine targets on the field. This is his first season with the Steelers after spending his last six seasons with Seattle.
The victory improved Pittsburgh to 9-6, extending its winning streak to three games and maintaining a two-game lead over Baltimore atop the AFC North. The Steelers can clinch their first division title since 2020 with a win over Cleveland or a Ravens loss to Green Bay next week.
The two-time pro baller and the fan who was wearing a blue wig and a black and blue shirt exchanged words before Metcalf pushed his right towards him. This incident was not penalized during the game, as officials did not see it, but Metcalf could face discipline from the NFL and a possible suspension ahead of Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Speaking to the reporters post-match, the Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, acknowledged the situation. “I heard about it, but I hadn’t seen it, I hadn’t had an opportunity to talk to DK.” Mike Tomlin said.
The American footballer did not comment on the incident and exited the locker room before media interviews began.
The Detroit Free Press identified the fan involved in the incident as Ryan Kennedy. Kennedy claimed Metcalf grabbed him and tore his shirt after Kennedy called him by his full name, “DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.”
In a statement to the Detroit Free Press, Kennedy said, "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.”
However, Metcalf finished with four receptions for 42 yards on nine targets on the field. This is his first season with the Steelers after spending his last six seasons with Seattle.
The victory improved Pittsburgh to 9-6, extending its winning streak to three games and maintaining a two-game lead over Baltimore atop the AFC North. The Steelers can clinch their first division title since 2020 with a win over Cleveland or a Ravens loss to Green Bay next week.