In Week 16, when the Steelers lined up against the Lions at Ford Field, a dramatic story unfolded right on the sideline. That heated moment has now snowballed into a massive $100 million lawsuit against DK Metcalf and several others. Amid the swirling chaos, Metcalf has leaned on his faith, sharing a powerful message.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” Metcalf shared on his Instagram story, quoting 1 John 1:9. “Lord, thank You for ensuring my forgiveness. Today I need to confess.”

Metcalf has long shown his religious side through public statements and actions.

One fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, hired counsel and filed a lawsuit. But Metcalf has denied all the accusations.

Now, his deep faith shines through his partnership with Prison Fellowship, where he champions second chances and redemption for the incarcerated.

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The trouble started on December 21, in the second quarter of that Steelers-Lions game.

DK Metcalf got into a physical altercation with a Lions fan. Video captured Metcalf walking to the stands, swinging at a fan in a blue wig who was shouting at him. He grabbed the fan by the shirt, swiped upward, and then yanked him away before heading back to the field.

CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson witnessed the incident unfold live. While she reported the incident, she could not hear exactly what the fan said to set Metcalf off.

“He came over because the fan in the stands was holding a ‘4’ Pittsburgh jersey, he went over, and the fan said something to him,” Wolfson said on the broadcast. “Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said, and you saw the swipe there. No Steelers came over to him and mentioned anything. We’ll see if the league takes action, guys.”

This confrontation lies at the heart of the entire incident. It sparked league discipline, public debates, and now the high-stakes lawsuit.

But what really happened behind those heated seconds?

Ryan Kennedy files $100M suit against DK Metcalf and others

The NFL moved fast after reviewing the video. The league suspended DK Metcalf for the final two regular-season games. More than $555,000 in salary was forfeited, and $45 million in future guarantees under his contract were voided.

Metcalf appealed the decision, but NFL commissioner designee Chris Palmer upheld it. The ruling cited Metcalf’s violation of the policy against entering the stands or confronting fans at any time on game day.

Right after the incident, the league dove into figuring out the full story.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that, per Metcalf, the fan used “something we both know you don’t call a Black man.”

Then, on the Nightcap podcast, Chad Johnson revealed Metcalf told him the fan hurled hateful remarks and used inappropriate words about his mother. That was the reason the wide receiver lost his cool in that moment.

Ryan Kennedy filed a $100 million lawsuit on February 3, 2026, in Wayne County Court. According to USA Today, the suit names DK Metcalf for assault and battery, the Steelers and Ford Field Management LLC for liability, Chad Johnson, and Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media LLC for defamation.

“The statements were false and reckless,” the lawsuit reads, per Pro Football Talk. “Plaintiff Kennedy did not call Defendant Metcalf the ‘N-word’; did not call Defendant Metcalf mother a ‘c—‘; and did not ever use any racial slurs or hate speech whatsoever…”

“Defendant Metcalf provided false information to Defendant Johnson about what Plaintiff Kennedy allegedly said, thereby instigating and authorizing the publication of the defamatory and reckless statements which were intended to harm Plaintiff Kennedy.”

Meanwhile, Pelissero revealed a key context about their history.

In the 2024 season, Metcalf reported Ryan Kennedy to security during a Seattle Seahawks game against the Lions. That prior run-in, during his Seahawks time, adds layers, though it has not yet formed a clear chain of evidence in this case.

Kennedy, too, had offered his side of what sparked the clash. He said Metcalf did not like being called by his full legal name.

“What, my full name isn’t it DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” Kennedy said in December. “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.”

Detroit lost that day, 29-24, to Pittsburgh. But for DK Metcalf, the Steelers organization, and others named in the suit, this saga promised nonstop media glare. It could ripple into the offseason, testing reputations, team dynamics, and even playoff focus if Pittsburgh advances deep into the playoffs.