As the cliché goes, there’s two sides to every story. After more than 12 hours of backlash for his fan altercation during the Pittsburgh Steelers–Detroit Lions showdown, DK Metcalf’s retelling of the incident has begun to surface.
Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson told co-host Shannon Sharpe on the latest episode of their podcast, Nightcap, that the Lions fan Metcalf engaged in an altercation with during Week 16 used racist language toward Metcalf.
Johnson also said the fan called Metcalf’s mother the c-word.
“Obviously, I’m not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching a fan. But he did call him a racial slur. He called him the n-word, and he did call his mom a [expletive],” Johnson said. “Now, I think with those words being exchange and the fan saying that, I think that’s where the action occurred…”
“That’s a bad combination, and it caused DK to react.”
Johnson didn’t initially state where he received Metcalf’s side of the story. But as the conversation on the subject continued during the podcast, Johnson stated it came from “No. 4.”
Metcalf wears No. 4 for the Steelers.
Video of Metcalf’s incident with the fan began going viral when CBS Sports showed it during the second quarter of Sunday’s Steelers-Lions contest. Within three hours, ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s post of the video on X received more than 3.5 million views.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero released a second angle of the incident Sunday night. On the second angle, it appeared Metcalf shoved the fan rather than punching him.
Regardless of the type of physical action, nearly all pundits expect Metcalf to receive severe discipline from the NFL. CBS Sports rule expert Gene Steratore reported during the game the Steelers wideout didn’t receive an ejection because the officials didn’t see the altercation.
Lions Fan Says He Called DK Metcalf by His ‘Government Name’
Metcalf’s retelling of the incident has come to light a day after the Lions fan spoke to the media on the altercation.
The Detroit Free Press “tracked down” the Lions fan in the stands during the game. Initially, the fan said his name was “Biggest Detroit Lions Fan Ever that got attacked by DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.”
Andrew Birkle and Christian Romo of The Detroit Free Press wrote the media outlet “pressed” the fan for information. They learned his name and that he was from Pinckney, Michigan.
The fan continued to use Metcalf’s full name in the conversation.
“What, my full name isn’t is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” the fan said. “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.”
The Detroit Free Press added that the fan also said, “my words don’t matter because it was on camera.”
Sharpe and Johnson discussed the story from the Lions fan’s perspective on their podcast. Both former All-Pro players agreed that based on Metcalf’s reaction, it’s not likely the fan only called the receiver by his official name.
Johnson emphasized that “the truth” would come out because of the microphones the NFL has around each stadium. The ex-receiver said those microphones would have picked up what the fan said or didn’t say.
Steelers’ DK Metcalf Likely to Face NFL Discipline
Even if Metcalf’s retelling of the incident is true, the Steelers receiver is probably going to face a severe fine and/or suspension from the league.
He was fortunate to be able to finish Sunday’s contest, which the Steelers won in dramatic fashion, 29-24.
Johnson argued that based on the language the fan allegedly used, Metcalf’s response was “understandable.” But Johnson agreed the receiver still shouldn’t have reacted physically.
“I’m sure he will have to deal with some type of discipline. You know how the NFL is,” Johnson said. “No matter what’s said, they want you to be able to control yourself in that situation. But, I understand. I understand.”
There’s not a lot of precedent for punishment with NFL players getting into altercations with fans during games. For that reason, Steelers fans should expect a strong punishment.
But typically, NFL players face one-game bans for punching/fighting other players and/or officials.
The Steelers square off against the Cleveland Browns and then the Baltimore Ravens to end the 2025 regular season. Pittsburgh needs one more win to secure the AFC North title and a home playoff game.
The Steelers, though, can also clinch the AFC North with a Ravens loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17.
Since that game occurs before the Steelers-Browns matchup, it’s possible Pittsburgh already wraps up the division title before Metcalf begins serving a potential suspension.
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