The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face criminal charges for a December altercation with a Detroit Lions fan at Ford Field.
According to the office, on December 21, 2025, during an NFL game, a 45-year-old fan, Ryan Kennedy, left his seat holding a Metcalf jersey to get an autograph. As he approached the railing, there was a brief interaction where Metcalf grabbed his shirt and pushed him back. No injury was reported.
Prosecutors interviewed Kennedy, security, and witnesses, and reviewed video footage before declining to issue a warrant.
Kennedy has filed a $100 million lawsuit naming Metcalf, the Steelers, Ford Field, Chad Johnson, and Shannon Sharpe, alleging negligence and defamation.
Metcalf’s attorney applauded the decision, stating, 'We are confident that justice will also prevail in the civil claim.'
Kennedy’s lawyer insists the criminal decision is irrelevant to their civil case, citing resource constraints for the lack of charges.
The NFL suspended Metcalf two games for the incident.