Steelers Player DK Metcalf Won’t Face Criminal Charges for Altercation with Lions Fan
The fan, Ryan Kennedy, is still planning to proceed with a civil lawsuit against the wide receiver, Kennedy's lawyer said
DK Metcalf Credit: NFL;Nic Antaya/Getty NEED TO KNOW Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face criminal charges for an altercation with a fan during the Steelers' December game in Detroit The fan, Ryan Kennedy, filed a civil lawsuit against Metcalf, which his lawyer said will continue Metcalf's lawyer praised prosecutors for not pressing charges, adding that his team is "thankful for the hard work and thorough investigation that led to this just result" Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face criminal charges for an altercation with Lions fan Ryan Kennedy during the Steelers’ December 2025 game in Detroit . After examining the evidence in the case, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said in a Friday, May 1, statement that it declined to press charges against Metcalf, 28. The investigation involved interviews with the fan, Ford Field security staff and fans seated near where the interaction happened.
Investigators also examined video footage of the incident. The Steelers played the Lions at Ford Field on Dec. 21, 2025.
During the game, Metcalf was seen having a tense conversation with a Lions fan seated near the Steelers bench. He could be seen grabbing the fan’s shirt and appeared to punch the man’s face. According to Wayne County prosecutors, the fan was holding a Metcalf jersey to get an autograph.
“As he approached the front railing of the stands, he said something to Mr. Metcalf,” prosecutors said. “As Mr.