Here’s How Pittsburgh Steelers Star DK Metcalf Cost Himself a Whopping $45M for Hitting Detroit Lions Fan

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf’s two-game suspension for striking a Detroit Lions fan will likely come with massive financial consequences.

During halftime of Sunday’s game between the teams, Metcalf was caught on camera confronting the fan. During the exchange, Metcalf grabbed the fan by their blue wig before taking a swing at them and walking away. Metcalf was not immediately punished and finished the game.

The next day, the NFL announced it had suspended the star receiver for the Steelers’ final two regular-season games. The suspension will come without pay, meaning Metcalf would have to forfeit more than $550,000 in game checks. Metcalf was expected to appeal the decision.

Those game checks, however, are just a fraction of the true cost of the suspension. Should the suspension be upheld after the appeal, it would void $45 million in guaranteed money over the next two seasons.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke down the situation:

The two-game suspension for #Steelers WR DK Metcalf could be costly, if upheld. Based on his contract, the suspension would void not just the rest of his salary for this season but $45M in future guarantees — $25M fully guaranteed in 2026 and $20M guarantee for injury in 2027.

As noted in a report from ESPN, Metcalf and the fan — later identified as Ryan Kennedy — have history. When Metcalf was a member of the Seattle Seahawks, he played in Detroit several times. Metcalf has previously reported Kennedy to team security.

In the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s altercation, former NFL receiver Chad Johnson claimed he was told Kennedy used a slur and other derogatory language toward Metcalf. Kennedy’s legal team has denied the accusation.