Steelers star DK Metcalf had a previous run-in with the Lions fan he swung for during Sunday’s game in Detroit.
The wide receiver was seen jawing with the supporter – who was sitting in the front row, dressed in a blue wig – before he grabbed the man by his collar and took a swipe at him.
According to NFL Network, Metcalf reported the same fan to Seahawks security when he faced the Lions with Seattle last season.
The Seahawks traveled to Ford Field in week 4 of the 2024 season, with Metcalf amassing 104 yards in a 42-29 loss.
A year on, the fan – identified as Ryan Kennedy – told the Detroit Free Press that he called Metcalf by his ‘government name,’ DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.
‘He doesn’t like his government name,’ Kennedy said. ‘I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt… my words don’t matter because it was on camera.’
Steelers star DK Metcalf had a previous run-in with a Lions fan a year before swinging at him
It’s claimed Metcalf reported the same fan to security when he faced the Lions last season
Kennedy also claimed he was left a ‘little shocked’ and a ‘rattled’ by their clash.
But, according to NFL Network, Metcalf claimed that the fan used a derogatory term to describe his mother and called the receiver ‘something we both know you don’t call a Black man.’
The NFL is said to be investigating the incident, with Metcalf facing possible punishment over the clash, which took place in the second quarter of Pittsburgh’s 29-24 win over Detroit.
The Free Press reported that the Lions threw Kennedy out of the game, adding that officials from the team were speaking to the fan over the incident.
Metcalf was not tossed from the game, with the NFL explaining: ‘There was no flag on the field, so [the league office in New York] cannot weigh in with regard to a potential disqualification.’
The receiver finished with four catches for 42 yards on Sunday as the Steelers ended up beating the Lions 29-24.
