Steelers' DK Metcalf Will Not Face Charges for Detroit Lions Fan Incident
DK Metcalf won't be facing criminal charges. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office ruled on Friday that the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver is in the clear following an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan at Ford Field back in December 2025.
"After an extensive review of all the relevant evidence, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has determined that charges will not issue in this case," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said, via Fox 2 Detroit.
The incident happened during a commercial break in the first half of Pittsburgh's 29-24 win over Detroit on Dec. 21. Video of the moment spread quickly but officials on the field did not witness the exchange. Prosecutors reviewed footage from multiple angles and interviewed security personnel and nearby fans before reaching their decision.
Here's another angle of the altercation between DK Metcalf and Lions fan Ryan Kennedy, who is seen moving down from his seat to the front row in order to confront Metcalf - one of several videos that are likely to be part of the appeal. https://t.co/TyNKlHYE9lpic.twitter.com/Q3iS3FqcDt
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 22, 2025
What Happened at Ford Field
Ryan Kennedy, a 45-year-old Lions season-ticket holder seated behind the Steelers bench, allegedly heckled Metcalf during the game. Prosecutors say Kennedy later left his seat carrying Metcalf's jersey to get an autograph.
As he reached the front railing, he allegedly said something to Metcalf. Video then showed Metcalf approaching the stands and grabbing Kennedy's shirt before pushing him backward.
The NFL responded by suspending Metcalf for two games, citing conduct detrimental to the league for initiating a physical confrontation with a fan.
Civil Lawsuit Still Moving Forward
The criminal case being closed doesn't end things for Metcalf. Kennedy has an ongoing civil lawsuit filed in Wayne County Circuit Court in February by Metro Detroit attorney Jon Marko.
The suit names Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ford Field Management LLC, Chad Johnson, Shay Shay Media LLC and All Time Sports LLC as defendants. Kennedy claims defamatory remarks tied to the incident have seriously damaged his life.
Marko addressed the prosecutor's decision, per CBS News, noting that the office weighs several factors when deciding whether to bring charges, including resource limitations that may have nothing to do with whether a crime actually occurred. He made it clear that the ruling has no bearing on the civil case.
"The video evidence clearly shows what took place," Marko said, signaling that Kennedy's legal team has no intention of backing down.
Metcalf has since moved on with Pittsburgh heading into the 2026 season but this chapter of his offseason isn't fully closed yet. The civil lawsuit remains active and Kennedy's legal team is pushing forward.
How that case plays out will determine what kind of lasting consequences, if any, the Steelers receiver ultimately faces.
Related: NFL Draft History Warns Us to Calm Down About Next Year's Quarterback Class
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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 1:16 PM.