NFL looks into alleged history; fan denies sparking Metcalf strike with slur

A fan with a reported history of inciting reactions from DK Metcalf at Ford Field denied through an attorney he used a racial slur that prompted the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver to grab and rip his shirt during Sunday's game in Detroit.

The NFL is investigating what prompted Metcalf to walk from the Steelers' bench to the raised seating area and grab Ryan Kennedy before appearing to take a swipe at the fan, who denied through Head Murphy Law Firm on Monday that he used inflammatory language or racial slurs.

"These allegations are completely false," according to Sean Head and Sean Murphy of Head Murphy Law Firm, who issued a statement Monday.

Multiple outlets reported there is an alleged history with Metcalf and Kennedy, who played at Ford Field while with the Seahawks in 2022, 2023 and 2024. NFL Network and ESPN cited sources in noting Metcalf turned Kennedy in to Seattle's team security in the past.

But a video from a fan seated to Kennedy's left facing the field seems to corroborate parts of the fan's account of the incident, claiming in an interview with the Free Press that he baited the receiver by calling him by his legal name -- DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf -- and not the racial slurs others claimed to hear.

Lions security did not remove Kennedy from the game.

"Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the 'N-word,' the 'C-word,' or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur," Head Murphy's statement said.

Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson said on the "Nightcap" podcast on Sunday night that he was told a combination of racial or inflammatory terms caused Metcalf to react.

"I got word -- obviously, I'm not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching a fan -- but he did call him a racial slur," Johnson said. "He called him the N-word and he did call his mom a c--t. I think, with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, I think that's where the action occurred. That's a bad combination ... and it caused DK to react. I'm sure he will have to deal with some type of discipline. You know how the NFL is. No matter what's said, they want you to be able to control yourself in that situation, but I understand."

--Field Level Media