Steelers receiver DK Metcalf swiped at a fan leaning over the railing in the front row at Ford Field during the second quarter of Pittsburgh's win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Metcalf and the fan, wearing a black and blue shirt and a blue wig, were speaking to each other before the two-time Pro Bowler threw a right hand toward the man's face. Metcalf did not appear to make much, if any contact.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that Metcalf and the fan, whom The Detroit Free Press identified as Ryan Kennedy, have a history. Per Pelissero, Metcalf reported the same fan to Seahawks security last season when he played for Seattle (the Seahawks played at the Lions in Week 4 of the 2024 season and also played at Detroit in 2023 and 2022).
A source close to Metcalf told Pelissero that Kennedy on Sunday called Metcalf's mother a derogatory word and called Metcalf "something we both know you don't call a Black man."
On Monday, Kennedy issued a statement through an attorney that "at no point before, during, or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind."
"Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the 'N-word,' the 'C-word,' or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident that occurred on Dec. 21, 2025 at Ford Field during the Pittsburgh Steelers-Detroit Lions game," the statement read, via ESPN. "These allegations are completely false."
Kennedy told the Free Press on Sunday that Metcalf was upset that he used his full legal name
Pelissero reported the NFL is reviewing the incident for potential discipline.
Metcalf had one reception on six targets for 5 yards in the first half of Sunday's game, and finished the game with four receptions for 42 yards on nine targets.
The CBS broadcast explained during the game that because a flag was not thrown on the play, Metcalf could not be ejected for his conduct with the fan.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters after the game that he did not see the incident when it happened.
"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."
The 28-year-old Metcalf is in his first season with the Steelers after spending six seasons with Seattle.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
