Ryan Kennedy — the fan involved in the on-field altercation with ex-Seahawks standout and current Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf — is scheduled to hold a press conference with his attorneys on Friday, December 26, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. Pryor reported the event is intended to “address the assault, correct misinformation that has been publicly repeated as fact, and discuss the serious consequences Mr. Kennedy has faced.
“These allegations are completely false,” the statement released by Shawn Head and Sean Murphy of Head Murphy Law Firm and reported by ESPN reads.
The announcement is the latest escalation in a story that already produced a major NFL outcome: Metcalf’s two-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league, which was upheld after appeal.
What we know heading into Ryan Kennedy’s press conference
The incident happened Dec. 21, 2025, during the Steelers’ 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, when Metcalf approached a fan near the sideline and video captured a physical exchange.
Kennedy, through his legal representation, has denied using racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slurs during the incident, a key point because social media speculation has swirled about what was said before Metcalf reacted.
One more important wrinkle: NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported that neither the NFL nor the Lions planned to punish the fan, saying the league found “no violation of the fan code of conduct.” However, Pelissero also noted that the NFL is now following up and continuing its investigation.
However, the “fan code” piece is not totally clean-cut in the public record. Awful Announcing reported the NFL disputed aspects of the reporting around the fan and discipline. That’s part of why Friday’s attorney-led remarks matter: Kennedy’s side appears intent on putting its version on the record in a formal setting.
Key details (so far):
- Friday, Dec. 26: Kennedy scheduled to speak with attorneys (per Pryor).
- Metcalf suspension: two games, appeal denied/decision upheld.
- NFL’s stance on fan (reported): “no violation” found (via Pelissero)
What it means for DK Metcalf and the Steelers
From a football standpoint, the timing is brutal: the upheld suspension means Metcalf is set to miss Pittsburgh’s final two regular-season games against the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.
The impact isn’t just on the depth chart. Reuters reported the suspension will cost Metcalf $555,556 in salary and could put as much as $45 million in guaranteed money at risk because of contract language tied to participation with the team.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also hinted at why the situation is being handled carefully in public. Reuters reported Tomlin said he supports Metcalf but doesn’t condone the behavior, and he noted he was cautious about commenting further with potential legal implications hovering over the situation.
And from Kennedy’s side, the human element is getting louder. FOX 2 Detroit reported an attorney said Kennedy has received threats and described safety concerns after video spread widely online, which aligns with Pryor’s framing that the press conference will address “serious consequences” Kennedy says he’s faced.
ProFootballTalk also suggested “a lawsuit now seems inevitable.”
Bottom line: December 26’s press conference is positioned as an attempt to seize the narrative in a story that has already cost the Steelers a top receiver for two critical games, and may still have legal and reputational fallout ahead for everyone involved.
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