Who is the Lions fan that DK Metcalf punched? What to know about Ryan Kennedy and his history with Steelers WR

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Detroit Lions in Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season, but it wasn't without controversy.

In the first half, a clip went viral on social media of Pittsburgh wide receiver DK Metcalf appearing to punch a Lions fan in the stands. It was a quick clip, and no context was provided for the interaction at the time, but the video itself looked bad for the pass-catcher. 

Metcalf finished out the game because, by the current rule, the NFL can't intervene in a possible player disqualification unless there is a flag. Since the Steelers' offense wasn't even on the field, there were no flags, as the referees weren't even aware it had happened. 

While the public may never know exactly what happened to cause Metcalf to react that way, he may have a history with the fan. 

Here is more on the Lions fan that Metcalf punched in Week 16.

MORE: DK Metcalf throws punch at fan during Lions-Steelers game

Who is the Lions fan that DK Metcalf punched?

The Lions fan whom Metcalf punched is named Ryan Kennedy.

The Detroit Free Press was able to track him down after the game for his side of the story. He said he was "a little shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby."

Initially, when asked his name, Kennedy said, "My name is 'Biggest Detroit Lions Fan Ever that got attacked by DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.'"

About the incident, Kennedy 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."

Lions officials talked to him, and he was not thrown out of the game. 

MORE: Will DK Metcalf be suspended by NFL for punching fan? 

Why did DK Metcalf punch fan?

The public may never officially know the truth behind what caused the incident. Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press after the game that he called the wide receiver by his legal name, causing the outburst. 

Sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero that Kennedy and Metcalf have history. Metcalf reportedly had issues with Kennedy last year when he was with the Seattle Seahawks and he reported the fan to stadium security. 

Chad Ochocino said on a live stream appearance with Shannon Sharpe that sources told him that the fan called Metcalf a racial slur, and then made derogatory comments about the player's mother, but none of these claims have been confirmed. 

What is DK Metcalf's real name?

Metcalf's real name is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf, but he prefers to go by DK. 

MORE: Updated AFC, NFC playoff picture in Week 16

DK Metcalf punches Lions fan video

Here is the initial clip that went viral on social media. 

#Steelers WR DK Metcalf upset with a fan… pic.twitter.com/eoZJjIiXHw

Here is the clip released later from a different angle. 

DK Metcalf history with Lions fan

It was reported the morning after the incident that Metcalf may actually have a history with Kennedy.

According to Pelissero, Metcalf may have run into Kennedy at a Seahawks game last season, and the wide receiver may have reported him to stadium security. 

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