An important road win for the Pittsburgh Steelers was overshadowed by DK Metcalf's actions.
The wide receiver swiped at a fan leaning over the railing of the front row of seats at Detroit’s Ford Field on Sunday during the second quarter of a game the Steelers won 29-24 over the Lions. Metcalf and the fan, wearing a Lions’ T-shirt and a black-and-blue shirt, were speaking when the receiver threw a right hand towards the fan’s face.
Metcalf is likely to be disciplined by the NFL for the incident, though he was not penalized on Sunday because none of the officials saw the kerfuffle. The two-time Pro Bowler could be suspended for the game against the Browns this upcoming Sunday in Cleveland.
Metcalf did not address the incident following the game. He left the locker room just as the media was allowed entrance. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he did have enough information to elaborate on the situation.
“I heard about it, but I hadn’t seen it,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “I hadn’t had an opportunity to talk to DK.”
The fan involved in the altercation, Ryan Kennedy from Pinckney, Mich., told the Detroit Free Press that he angered Metcalf by calling him by his full name, “DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.” Metcalf has been referred to as DK since playing at the University of Mississippi because he said people often mispronounced his name.
"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 didn’t win, though, as the Steelers held on for the victory after an offensive pass interference against Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. wiped out what would have been the winning touchdown on the game’s final play. Metcalf had four receptions for 42 yards despite being targeted on nine passes.
The Steelers acquired Metcalf in an offseason trade and signed him to a five-year, $150-million contract extension. He has 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns.
The AFC North-leading Steelers (9-6) won their third straight game and moved two games ahead of the Baltimore Ravens (7-8) in the division standings with two games remaining. The Steelers can clinch their first AFC North title since 2020 with a win over the Browns or a Ravens’ loss to the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday.