Chad Johnson Makes Claim About What Lions Fan Said to Steelers' DK Metcalf

The NFL will likely be investigating both parties involved after the Pittsburgh Steelers wideout swung at a fan.

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

PITTSBURGH -- Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson made strong allegations about why DK Metcalf got into an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan during the team's Week 16 win in an appearance on Shannon Sharpe's podcast. Metcalf was seen throwing a punch at the fan after grabbing his shirt and then walking away.

At the time, the Lions fan, whose name is Ryan Kennedy, claimed he simply called Metcalf by his real name.

"What, my full name isn’t is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf," Kennedy said, according to the Detroit Press. "He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. I’m a little shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby."

Now, Johnson is sharing his claims about the incident, saying he spoke with Metcalf about the altercation.

"He called him a racial slur," Johnson told his co-host, Shannon Sharpe, on the Nightcap Podcast. "He called the N-word and called his mom a ****. And I think with those words being exchanged and the fans saying that, I think that's where the action occurred, where I think he threw a punch. I'm not sure if he connected or whatever. But he did call him the n-word and he called his mama, I guess, the c-word."

Kennedy's attorney released a statement denying the use of racism or any hateful comments toward Metcalf.

"Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the "N-word," the "C-word," or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident that occurred on December 21, 2025 at Ford Field during the Pittsburgh Steelers-Detroit Lions game. These allegations are completely false. At no point during, or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind. The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contemporaneous reporting. Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language during any interactions with Mr. Metcalf or any other players in the past."

DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan pic.twitter.com/a478Zjg3tR

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025

Punishment Most Likely Coming

The NFL is likely investigating the issue thoroughly to determine exactly what happened during the incident on the sideline.

For Metcalf, he has been suspended two games because of the altercation. The suspension also reportedly triggered a clause in Metcalf's contract voiding $45 million in guaranteed money.

Luckily for the Steelers, they may not need to win any more games to win the AFC North. If the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, the Steelers will win the division before kickoff against the Browns.

So, if there was a time to miss games, now is it. Not that it makes this situation any less disapointing.

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