Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy spoke with the media on Friday to address his incident with DK Metcalf that has received attention since Sunday. During his speech, he was disrespectful towards the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver.
You may recall that Metcalf went over to the stands, grabbed Kennedy, and then punched at the Lions fan during the Steelers’ Week 16 win over the Lions in Detroit. Metcalf was suspended two games by the NFL for his actions. The NFL is not planning to take any action against Kennedy after determining that he did not commit any violations.
While speaking with his attorney at his side, Kennedy continued to call Metcalf “DeKaylin,” which is DK’s full first name.
#Lions fan Ryan Kennedy — involved in the altercation with DK Metcalf — held a presser today saying he did not use any foul language and has received threats since the allegation.
He’s asking “DeKaylin” to take back what he said.
(🎥 @JeremyOttoPxP) pic.twitter.com/bDsh6SHN8Q https://t.co/IRM0dCXkUX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 26, 2025“I want to be crystal clear about one thing: I didn’t use any racial slurs. No hate speech. None of that stuff,” Kennedy said.
“DeKaylin, if you’re watching this, man, if you could just say that please. My family is getting threats. It’s not cool,” Kennedy said.
DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf is DK’s full name. Kennedy is one of the few people who seems to call him “DeKaylin,” which obviously bothers the Steelers receiver. So his insistence on calling Metcalf by that name during his statement doubled down on that disrespect.
Kennedy has said that him calling DK “DeKaylin” is what bothered the receiver. Metcalf later said that Kennedy called him something inappropriate. Kennedy has threatened to file a lawsuit against Metcalf.