How DK Metcalf Tried (But Failed) to Celebrate With Steelers Teammates After Big Win

Brigid Kennedy | Jan 5, 2026

Metcalf was not able to play in Week 18 because he was serving the second game of a two-game suspension. / Post Gazette / Screenshot /

Listen, you can't say he didn't try.

After the Steelers miraculously survived a winner-take-all division showdown vs. the rival Ravens on Sunday night—a back-and-forth nail-biter that came down to a shanked field goal—Pittsburgh wide receiver D.K. Metcalf apparently wanted quite badly to make it to Acrisure Stadium and celebrate with his teammates.

Indeed, according to Steelers reporter Brendan Howe, the receiver said he put on some clothes, got in his car and started making moves to go celebrate with his team once he saw Calvin Austin's late go-ahead touchdown.

But he got stuck in what was likely postgame traffic, and was apparently informed by a staffer that everyone would be gone by the time he'd arrive, per Howe.

#Steelers WR DK Metcalf said he got dressed, hopped in the car and tried to go celebrate with his team after last night’s win over the Ravens.

He got stuck in traffic and Steelers staffer Darrel Young told him everybody was gone by the time he’d get to the stadium. #HereWeGo

— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) January 5, 2026

Sad, but hey, at least he'll get to play in another game.

"My teammates gave me another opportunity to come back, so big shoutout to them," the receiver told reporters on Monday.

(You'll recall that Metcalf was not there because he was finishing up the two-game suspension he earned for getting into it with a Lions fan in Week 16.)

As for how he felt watching the crazy contest, Metcalf said it felt like a "rollercoaster," he added, but "just happy my teammates got the dub.”

The receiver also fielded some questions regarding what happened in Detroit, but he declined (and wisely so) to share any details at all, despite being pressed. The only thing he did concede was that he was surprised that his appeal of the suspension was unsuccessful.

Watch that below:

Although Pittsburgh's offense made do without him, Metcalf's absence has been noticeable, especially during the team's Week 17 loss vs. the Browns. Thankfully, they will have him back on the field come Monday night, when they host the Texans in what will be a defense-fueled wild-card round matchup.

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