The Grove Report

Cam Newton Reacts to DK Metcalf's Intense Altercation With Detroit Lions Fan

Newton chimes in after Metcalf's incident on Sunday in Detroit, believes proper protocol must be put in place.
Zack Nagy|
Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

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Ole Miss RebelsPittsburgh SteelersDetroit Lions

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf remains in headlines following an intense altercation on Sunday evening involving a Detroit Lions fan in the stands.

During the second quarter of the game, Metcalf went over to the stands to address a fan who was speaking down to him on the sideline at Ford Field.

The fan then leaned over the railing where Metcalf suddenly "threw a punch" at him before walking away with the viral moment quickly taking social media by storm.

Metcalf was not ejected from the game with the NFL remaining mum on the subject as it stands, but the video circulating on socials remains the talk of the town.

Metcalf has shined alongside Aaron Rodgers in the Steelers offense this season where he has logged 59 catches on 99 targets for 850 yards - averaging 56.7 per game and 14.4 per reception - to go with six touchdowns.

But the viral moment has social media buzzing with former NFL MVP Cam Newton making sure to provide his thoughts on the incident during a Monday appearance on ESPN's First Take.

What did the former NFL superstar have to say surrounding Metcalf and fans overstepping boundaries on the sidelines?

Cam Newton's Take: Been There, Done That

“I’ve been in those shoes,” Newton said. “I am in those shoes everywhere, every time that I walk. Now there’s a line that’s drawn. … You can’t talk to me like that. I don’t care if we’re the last drive of the game.”

“It’s their job to distract and to disrupt,” Newton added. “That’s why the 12th man is so active. That’s why playing in hostile environments, you have edges. But what I’m not going to say is to defend DK Metcalf. … I think as leagues, we do need and we owe a responsibility so that these will not happen moving forward.”

“We need to have proper fan protocol,” he explained. “The players need to be protected. … Respectfully, if you say certain things to me, I’m going to react and hold you accountable. Every action has a reaction.”

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Zack Nagy
ZACK NAGY

Zack Nagy is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Ole Miss Rebels On SI, a Sports Illustrated Publication. Nagy has covered Rebel Football, Baseball, Basketball and Recruiting, looking to keep readers updated on anything and everything involving Ole Miss athletics. Nagy has covered the Southeastern Conference for over half a decade after being born and raised in New Orleans (La.).

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