Lions Fan Who Got Punched by DK Metcalf Admits He Didn’t Use Any Racial Slurs: “My Family is Getting Threats”

Ryan Kennedy, who was punched by DK Metcalf following allegations that he used racial slurs, held a press conference to deny those claims.

Lions Fan Who Got Punched by DK Metcalf Admits He Didn’t Use Any Racial Slurs: “My Family is Getting Threats”

DK Metcalf and Ryan Kennedy in circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

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Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy held a press conference to respond to allegations that he used racial slurs toward Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf. Kennedy not only rejected the reports but also claimed to have received death threats.

Kennedy became a household name for all the wrong reasons. Cameras caught him taunting the Steelers’ wide receiver near the team’s dugout. Metcalf retaliated and punched him.

Several fans filmed the entire altercation and uploaded the clip to social media. The video wasn’t the only piece of content that circulated on the internet. Allegedly, Metcalf accused Kennedy of using racial slurs against him and his mother.

Shawn Head and Sean Murphy of the Head Murphy Law Firm, representing Kennedy, dismissed Metcalf’s claims.

It is really hard to get me upset, but there’s two things, animal abuse and racism, like I get hot right away. I want to be crystal clear about one thing. I didn’t use any racial slurs. No hate speech. None of that stuff at the game… Never.

Ryan Kennedy said (H/T: Detroit Free Press)

Kennedy ended his monologue with a plea directed at Metcalf. He wants the Pro Bowl wide receiver to set the record straight with a public confession.

I didn’t use ANY racial slurs… DeKaylin, if you’re watching this man, if you could just say that, please. My family is getting THREATS, it’s not cool.

Kennedy pleaded

What happened to DK Metcalf?

The league intervened to defuse the situation before it spiraled out of control. Metcalf was slapped with a two-game ban that voided the guarantees on his $33 million AAV contract he signed before the season.

Lions Fan Who Got Punched by DK Metcalf Admits He Didn't Use Any Racial Slurs My Family is Getting Threats
DK Metcalf (Image via IMAGO)

[DK] Metcalf’s 2026 salary of $25 million was previously fully guaranteed. Should he be suspended for at least one game, that guarantee will be void. The voided guarantees are more important in 2027 when $20 million in salary has been injury-protected.

According to CBS Sports research

Metcalf sought the help of the NFLPA, but the suspension has been upheld. So, it means the Steelers will be without their 850 yards and 6 touchdowns for the season man when they face the Cleveland Browns.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers consolidated his support for his receiver in his time of need.

I think there’s a mindset that you [as a fan] pay for a ticket, you say whatever the hell you want [to the players]. I think there should be some sort of code of conduct [from the NFL]. Obviously, that [the Lions fan name-calling] was intentional, and I think there was some celebration afterward on his part. Obviously, don’t condone what DK did.

Aaron Rodgers said

Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t appreciate the way Metcalf behaved with the fan. However, he decided to trust his player and his words.

He did explain to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support D.K… I’ve heard more recently that there might be legal ramifications, and so I’d better be careful about what I say and how I say it.

Mike Tomlin told the media

Metcalf joined the Steelers via trade from the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the 2025 season. The Seahawks sent a second-round pick (No. 52 overall) in the 2025 draft, along with a pick swap in the sixth and seventh rounds.

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