After Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ star wide receiver DK Metcalf couldn’t get out of the headlines. The Steelers’ wide receiver has been at the center of debates since his altercation with Lions fan Ryan Kennedy.
However, even after extensive discussion and debate in the media about the incident and its impact, there is only one person whose reaction matters most, next to the league’s head coach, Mike Tomlin.
What Did Mike Tomlin Say About DK Metcalf’s Altercation With a Lions Fan?
While not everyone looks on Metcalf’s side, it’s safe to say that his coach understands him and sides with him. The Steelers correspondent from the “Pat McAfee Show,” Mark Kaboly, spoke with the head coach and gained some interesting insights.
“He did explain to me why he did what he did. I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK,” said Tomlin when asked about the heated altercation.
“I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you. I think he has a hearing this afternoon, an appeals hearing, and I certainly don’t want to weigh in prior to that. I have heard more recently that there might be legal ramifications, but I’d better be careful of what I say and how I say it,” HC also added, per the Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly.
Tomlin on DK Metcalf:
“He did explain to me why he did what he did. I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK. I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you. I think he has a hearing this afternoon, an appeals hearing, and I certainly don’t…
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) December 23, 2025
One of the major twists in the story is that Lions fans have been trolling Metcalf for a long time. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reiterated this in his latest report on Monday.
The reporter said that the Steelers WR had a history with the Lions fan he confronted on Sunday. Metcalf reported the same fan to Seahawks security last season while playing for Seattle.
This revelation adds crucial context to what many initially believed was a spontaneous exchange driven by emotion. Many fans and experts are calling out Metcalf for emotional instability. However, according to former NFL WR Chad Johnson, Metcalf told him that the specific fan used racial slurs and involved the player’s mother while trolling on the sideline.
And after that incident, the story has evolved significantly, from the league punishing Metcalf for two upcoming games to a $40M loss looming over his head.
According to Pelissero, Metcalf is awaiting the appeal hearing on his two-game suspension.
As DK Metcalf awaits the appeals hearing on his two-game suspension, a video of the aftermath of his altercation with a fan, who shouts as he returns to his seat: “That was the goal, folks!” pic.twitter.com/8dYWqXpMFr
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 23, 2025
According to CBS Sports, Metcalf has a clause in his contract that allows the Steelers to void his $45 million guaranteed salary if the receiver engages in “conduct detrimental” to the franchise.
Yesterday, on Dec. 22, the fan denied using hateful language before Metcalf threw a punch and also moved forward to take legal action against the Steelers wideout for physical assault. Metcalf has been a reliable WR with an impact score of 82, ranking 18th on PFSN’s Wide Receiver Impact.