New video angle of DK Metcalf altercation emerges as fan denies accusations

A different video angle of DK Metcalf’s spat with a Lions fan on Sunday shows the Steelers wide receiver with his back turned toward the crowd as fans shouted at him before he went to grab a fan, Ryan Kennedy, and take a swipe at him.

It’s unclear from the video, taken by a fan sitting near the one Metcalf went after, what Kennedy said to Metcalf that prompted the altercation, but ex-NFL star Chad Johnson alleged on his podcast that Kennedy called Metcalf a racial slur.

DK Metcalf on the Steelers’ sideline before confronting a Lions fan on Dec. 21, 2025. Instagram/keiffer_kennedy

“[Kennedy] called him the N-word and he did call [Metcalf’s] mom a c–t,” Johnson claimed.

Lawyers for Kennedy said in a statement Monday that he “categorically denies using the ‘N-word,’ the ‘C-word,’ or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident,” adding that the allegations “are completely false.”

Kennedy claimed to the Detroit Free Press that he called Metcalf by his government name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf, and that’s what set the receiver off.

DK Metcalf takes a swipe at a Lions fan on Dec. 21, 2025. Instagram/keiffer_kennedy

The NFL on Monday suspended Metcalf for two games for violating league policy, which says, “players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day and … if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”

Metcalf, 28, is reportedly appealing the suspension — which, if upheld, would void $45 million in guarantees on his contract, per multiple reports.

Warning: Explicit language

The receiver is in his first season with the Steelers after being acquired in a trade with the Seahawks in March and promptly signing a five-year, $150 million contract extension. He has 59 catches for 860 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games.

The Steelers (9-6) can clinch the AFC North with a road win against the Browns on Sunday. The Ravens (7-8) need to beat the Packers on the road and need the Steelers to lose to stay alive.

Baltimore and Pittsburgh square off in Week 18.