Fox NFL insider Jay Glazer disclosed Sunday that a Detroit Lions fan banned for life following an altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf had previously directed derogatory comments at Metcalf during a game last year when the player was with the Seattle Seahawks, according to security communications confirmed by witnesses.
Glazer, speaking on “Fox NFL Sunday,” cited communications between Lions and Seahawks security from the prior incident. Metcalf complained about the fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, and requested his removal due to the comments, Glazer said. An investigation during the game found individuals around Kennedy corroborated that he was out of line and had made the statements, with some even asking for his removal.
The revelation comes amid Metcalf’s two-game suspension for the recent altercation at Ford Field during the Steelers’ victory over the Lions on Dec. 21. Video showed Metcalf approaching Kennedy in the stands, grabbing his shirt collar and shoving him. Metcalf’s appeal was upheld, sidelining him for the Steelers’ final two regular-season games.
Jay Glazer on DK Metcalf filing a complaint last year against the same Lions fan that he had an altercation with last Sunday. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/b1bStDCU3I
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 28, 2025
Kennedy, a Lions season-ticket holder known for his blue wig, held a news conference Friday denying the use of racial slurs or hate speech. He claimed Metcalf reacted after being called by his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf, which Kennedy said the receiver dislikes. Kennedy also reported receiving threats since the incident and reiterated he did not use foul language.
Metcalf, however, alleged Kennedy used a derogatory word toward his mother and directed a racial slur at him. The NFL placed Kennedy under review, and the Lions announced his lifetime ban from Ford Field events following their investigation.
Glazer emphasized that while hitting a fan is not condoned, the prior corroborated incident provides context to Metcalf’s reaction.
The Steelers, unaware of the previous encounter, are pushing for the playoffs without Metcalf, who joined the team in the offseason after six seasons with Seattle.
