Prosecutors decline charges against Steelers' Metcalf in fan clash
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office in Michigan announced Friday that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face criminal charges stemming from an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan during a December 21, 2025, game at Ford Field. The office also denied a request for a warrant after reviewing interviews with the fan, security staff and witnesses, along with video footage from multiple angles. Prosecutors determined no charges were warranted following the investigation.
The incident occurred when 45-year-old Lions fan Ryan Kennedy, seated behind the Steelers' bench, left his seat holding a Metcalf jersey around 5:30 p.m. to approach the player for an autograph. As Metcalf neared the front railing, Kennedy said something to him, leading to a brief interaction in which Metcalf grabbed Kennedy's shirt and pushed him back. Kennedy sustained no apparent injuries and sought no medical attention at the game.
A CBS broadcast captured Metcalf grabbing the fan by the shirt and swinging at him. NFL Network reported that Kennedy had made derogatory comments toward the 28-year-old player, though Kennedy later told the Detroit Free Press he was only heckling Metcalf by using his full name, DeKaylin Metcalf.
Kennedy filed a $100 million civil lawsuit naming Metcalf, the Steelers, Ford Field, Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe's Shay Shay Media as defendants, alleging negligence and defamation among nine counts. Metcalf's attorney, Mitch Schuster, welcomed the prosecutorial decision and expressed confidence that justice would prevail in the civil case, citing Metcalf's counterclaim against Kennedy's conduct. Kennedy's lawyer, Jon Marko, stated the lack of criminal charges has no bearing on their civil suit. The NFL suspended Metcalf for two games over the incident.
