Steelers player suspended, $40 million in guarantees voided after he punched fan who allegedly called him n-word

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is set to lose more than $555,000 in salary following a two-game suspension, and the punishment could also void tens of millions of dollars in future guaranteed money, all while accusations swirl over what was said during a heated exchange with a Detroit Lions fan on Sunday. 

The NFL suspended Metcalf two games for what it described as “conduct detrimental to the league” after a physical confrontation with a fan during Pittsburgh’s 29–24 win at Ford Field. The incident occurred in the first half when Metcalf appeared to grab and shove a fan leaning over the front-row railing.

According to contract language reviewed by CBS Sports, Metcalf’s four-year, $132 million deal includes a clause that voids guarantees if the player is suspended by the league. The suspension immediately costs Metcalf more than $555,000 and voids at least $45 million in future guarantees, including his previously fully guaranteed $25 million salary for the 2026 season. Metcalf can still earn the money, but it would no longer be protected.

Metcalf plans to appeal the suspension. Even if it is reduced to one game, the guarantee language would still be triggered.

As the financial fallout becomes clearer, the dispute over what sparked the confrontation remains not totally clear. Ryan Kennedy, the Lions fan involved, denied using any racial or misogynistic slurs. In a statement released Monday by Head Murphy Law Firm, Kennedy “categorically denies using the ‘N-word,’ the ‘C-word,’ or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based language during the incident.” Attorneys Shawn Head and Sean Murphy said the allegations are “completely false” and claimed Kennedy has since received harassment and threats online.

Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press that he called Metcalf by his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf, which he said led the receiver to approach him and grab his shirt. “I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt,” Kennedy said. The Lions confirmed Kennedy was not removed from the game.

A video posted to Instagram by Keiffer Kennedy, who was seated nearby, shows fans calling out to Metcalf as he approached the stands. The audio does not clearly capture the exchange. The video was captioned, “Dekaylin Doesn’t like being called his government name.”

Others have offered different accounts. On his “Nightcap” podcast, former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson said he was told Metcalf was called a racial slur and that Metcalf’s mother was insulted. “He called him the N-word, and he did call his mom a c*nt,” Johnson said. “That’s a bad combination of words, and it caused DK to react.”

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin declined to comment after the game, saying he had not yet spoken with Metcalf. A source also told ESPN that Metcalf had prior issues with Kennedy dating back to games played in Detroit while Metcalf was with the Seattle Seahawks.

If the suspension stands, Metcalf would finish the regular season with the least productive year of his career, posting 59 receptions for 850 yards.