Broadcast cameras captured DK Metcalf appearing to throw a punch at a fan in the Ford Field stands. Joe Sargent / Getty Images
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf swung at a fan in a sideline confrontation during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Broadcast cameras captured the receiver and a fan wearing what appeared to be a blue wig exchanging words near the front row of seats behind the Steelers’ bench area. The fan was leaning over the rail and speaking to Metcalf when the veteran pass catcher, who was acquired by Pittsburgh in an offseason trade, appeared to reach up and throw a punch at the fan before walking back to the sideline.
CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said during the broadcast that the fan was holding a No. 4 Steelers jersey, which prompted Metcalf to walk over to him. Wolfson said the two exchanged words before the receiver took a “swipe” at him.
Metcalf left the locker room as the doors opened and did not speak to the media following the Steelers’ 29-24 win.
DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan pic.twitter.com/a478Zjg3tR
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025
Wolfson added on the broadcast that none of Metcalf’s teammates approached him or spoke to him after the incident. CBS rules expert Gene Steratore said on the broadcast that the officiating crew can’t do anything about the incident because it didn’t see it, but the incident can be reviewed by the NFL’s compliance department.
Metcalf returned to the game and was not penalized.
Metcalf is in his first season with the Steelers after spending six with the Seahawks, with whom he had three 1,000-yard seasons and was a two-time Pro Bowler. He finished Sunday’s game with four receptions for 42 yards, increasing his season totals to 59 catches for 850 yards. Metcalf has six receiving touchdowns this year.
Heading into Sunday’s game, he’d tallied 55 catches for 808 yards and six touchdowns this season.
