Pittsburgh Steelers player DK Metcalf appeared to have an altercation with a fan in the stands during the Detroit Lions game.
During the Sunday, December 21, matchup, Metcalf, 28, was seen interacting with a Lions fan who was leaning over the stadium seats. Metcalf then appeared to take a swing at the fan, who was wearing a black-and-blue shirt and a blue wig. The wide receiver did not appear to make physical contact with the fan, and the fan did not act or appear harmed.
Footage of the moment was shared via the NFL on CBS’ official X account, with the caption, “DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan.”
Metcalf was not ejected from the game, nor was there a flag or any game-time penalty. Gene Steratore, a CBS rules analyst, explained that the interaction could not have been penalized because it occurred off the field and officials did not see it.
“Because the officials did not see this — and (you) wouldn’t expect them to from where DK Metcalf was, it’s not something they can weigh in to from an officiating standpoint. I have been notified, though, that [it] will be delivered to compliance with the NFL, and they’ll address it at that point,” Steratore said, per CBS.
Matt Ryan, a former quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, weighed in on the interaction during halftime. “Suspension, we all agree, is probably coming,” Ryan said.
Nate Burleson, former Seattle Seahawk, Lions and Minnesota Viking, added, “There’s stuff that people, fans, can say to you that will get you out of character, but DK come on, man. I don’t know the details but you cannot let someone get into your head to the point that you wanna go over there, talk to them, grab them, and then what looks like he threw a jab.”
The Detroit Free Press found the fan, and asked what they said to Metcalf and what their name was. (The fan was reportedly ejected from the stadium after the incident.)
“What, my full name isn’t is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” the fan 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.”
Metcalf was selected by the Seahawks in the 2019 Draft. He was acquired by the Steelers in March, the same month that news broke of his engagement to Normani. (Metcalf and Normani, 29, began dating in 2022 after being set up by former teammate Russell Wilson and wife Ciara.)
“I proposed to my fiancée and [Wilson] was the one who connected us,” he said during a press conference when asked if Wilson had given him advice about moving to Pittsburgh. “So he was just telling me congratulations, giving us congratulations on that.”
Metcalf explained that he popped the question to Normani the day before the press conference, and had both of their families present for the milestone moment. He went on to gush that she was supportive of his new team.
“She’s right there. Hold that rock up baby,” he teased.
