DK Metcalf faces financial implications for suspension

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was suspended for two games after throwing a punch at a Detroit Lions fan during a game over the weekend.

The NFL said Metcalf violated league policy, specifying that “players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day and … if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) makes a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on Oct. 12, 2025 (Barry Reeger/Imagn Images)

Metcalf reportedly plans to appeal the suspension – for good reason.

The star player signed a four-year, $132 million contract extension with the Steelers after he was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks. The deal included $60 million in guaranteed money between his signing bonus and 2025 and 2026 salaries, according to Spotrac.

The suspension offers a caveat. It would void the rest of his salary for this season and $45 million in future guarantees, if the Steelers choose to do so, according to the NFL Network. He’s reportedly owed $25 million in fully guaranteed cash in 2026 and $20 million in injury guarantee.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) makes a catch against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field on Nov. 23, 2025. (Mike Dinovo/Imagn Images)

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Metcalf had already been fined $12,172 for fighting in a game against the Green Bay Packers and $14,491 for an obscene gesture in a game against the Buffalo Bills.

The veteran player hasn’t spoken out about the incident or made any accusations about what the Lions fan may have said to him. The CBS broadcast just showed Metcalf yanking the fan by the shirt and taking a swing at him.

The NFL Network reported that the fan made derogatory remarks toward the wide receiver.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on Aug. 16, 2025. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)

The fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, denied he made any such comments in a statement through a Michigan law firm. Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press that he was heckling Metcalf by calling him by his full name.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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