A fan at the center of the encounter with Steelers’ Wide Receiver DK Metcalf in Detroit last December is now suing the NFL star, along with the organization and a podcast host, following allegations stemming from the on-field encounter. RELATED VIDEO: DK Metcalf appealing two-game suspension issued by the NFL Court documents obtained by Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 on Tuesday said Lion’s fan Ryan Kennedy said he was falsely accused of using racial slurs during an encounter with Metcalf in December. Metcalf was suspended for two games, without pay, after the NFL said he initiated a “physical confrontation with a fan” during the Dec. 21, 2025, game. Video posted on social media from the game showed Metcalf approaching a male fan who was wearing a blue wig and leaning over the front row railing at Ford Field during the second quarter of the Steelers-Lions game.The video showed Metcalf grabbing the fan by the shirt and then swiping upward.The NFL said a source close to Metcalf, following the altercation, said Kennedy called Metcalf’s mother a derogatory word and called Metcalf “something we both know you don’t call a Black man.”It appeared, the NFL said, Kennedy has had some “history.”In the new lawsuit, Kennedy claims Metcalf physically assaulted him during the game by reaching into the stands and grabbing him. Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 has reached out to the Steelers for comment. This is a developing story. Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH —

A fan at the center of the encounter with Steelers’ Wide Receiver DK Metcalf in Detroit last December is now suing the NFL star, along with the organization and a podcast host, following allegations stemming from the on-field encounter.

RELATED VIDEO: DK Metcalf appealing two-game suspension issued by the NFL

Court documents obtained by Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 on Tuesday said Lion’s fan Ryan Kennedy said he was falsely accused of using racial slurs during an encounter with Metcalf in December.

Metcalf was suspended for two games, without pay, after the NFL said he initiated a “physical confrontation with a fan” during the Dec. 21, 2025, game.

Video posted on social media from the game showed Metcalf approaching a male fan who was wearing a blue wig and leaning over the front row railing at Ford Field during the second quarter of the Steelers-Lions game.

The video showed Metcalf grabbing the fan by the shirt and then swiping upward.

The NFL said a source close to Metcalf, following the altercation, said Kennedy called Metcalf’s mother a derogatory word and called Metcalf “something we both know you don’t call a Black man.”

It appeared, the NFL said, Kennedy has had some “history.”

In the new lawsuit, Kennedy claims Metcalf physically assaulted him during the game by reaching into the stands and grabbing him.

Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 has reached out to the Steelers for comment.

This is a developing story.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.