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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he supports star receiver DK Metcalf, who was suspended for two games by the NFL for throwing a punch at a Detroit Lions fan on Sunday.
The CBS broadcast showed Metcalf grabbing a fan by the shirt and punching him. NFL Network reported that the fan made derogatory comments toward the 28-year-old player. The fan later denied the accusation.
“He explained to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK. And I don’t really have much to add other than what I just told you,” Tomlin said during a press conference Tuesday.
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DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan, on December 21, 2025. (Ryan Sun/AP Photo)
“I think he has a hearing this afternoon, an appeal hearing, and I certainly don’t want to weigh in before that, and I certainly heard more recently that there could be legal ramifications, so I better be careful what I say and how I say it. I’m sure you guys have a lot of questions. I understand that, but that’s just a position I’m in as I sit here today with so many components of this still to be resolved.”
Tomlin was asked if the Steelers are preparing for “volatile rhetoric.” He said unfortunately that has become a part of sports today.
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ DK Metcalf, right, plays against Detroit Lions’ Rock Ya-Sin during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
“You know, I think volatile rhetoric is a component of our business today, unfortunately,” Tomlin said. “It just is. But it’s not just our business: the college, you know, the parents that play youth sports… I think it’s just a component of the sport that has developed and developed greatly in recent years, and it’s unfortunate. But, really, I don’t have anything to say about it other than that.”
Tomlin declined to provide further details due to legal ramifications that could arise from the incident.
The fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, denied making derogatory comments in a statement through a Michigan law firm. Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press that he was bothering Metcalf by calling him by his full name.
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Metcalf has been the team’s No. 1 wide receiver with 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games this season. Tomlin mentioned Roman Wilson as someone who could step up in Metcalf’s absence.
The Steelers play the Cleveland Browns (3-12) on Sunday at 1 pm ET, and if the Steelers win, they clinch the AFC North. However, they may have to do it without Metcalf.
