Pittsburgh Steelers Player DK Metcalf Won't Face Criminal Charges in Detroit For Striking Lions' Fan

The incident at Ford Field

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was suspended for two games by the NFL for “initiating a physical confrontation with a fan” last December at Ford Field, won’t be criminally charged in the case, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday.

“After an extensive review of all the relevant evidence, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has determined that charges will not be issued in this case,” the prosecutor’s office said in a press release. “The warrant request is denied.”

The prosecutor’s office described the incident, saying that on Dec. 21, 2025, a 45-year-old Lions fan was seated in the stands behind the Pittsburgh Steelers’ bench, allegedly heckling Metcalf, 28.

Around 5:30 p.m., the fan allegedly left his seat holding a Metcalf jersey to get an autograph.

The fan allegedly said something to Metcalf, who, according to the prosecutor’s office, grabbed the man’s shirt and pushed him back. A video of the incident makes it appear that he threw a light punch to the fan's shoulder.

“The fan did not appear to be injured, nor did he seek medical attention at the game,” the prosecutor’s office said.

ABC News reported at the time that Metcalf may have been angry that the fan called him by his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf. The fan has issued a statement saying he did not use any racial slur, as Metcalf alleged.