DK Metcalf Sued by Lions Fan Ryan Kennedy for $100 Million Over Ford Field Altercation
Feb. 3, 2026 — Detroit — Ryan Kennedy, a Detroit Lions fan, filed a $100 million lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, the Steelers organization, Ford Field Management LLC, former NFL player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media LLC, and others, alleging assault, battery, defamation, negligence, and vicarious liability stemming from a December 21, 2025, game at Ford Field.
The suit claims DK Metcalf sued reached into the stands and grabbed Kennedy during the Lions-Steelers matchup. Kennedy denies media accusations that he used racial slurs, citing an NFL letter finding no evidence of such language. The complaint includes nine counts, seeking damages for reputational harm, emotional distress, and medical expenses.
Incident Background
The altercation occurred amid tense fan-player interactions during the game. DK Metcalf sued for assault and battery after allegedly physically confronting Kennedy. Defamation claims target statements by Johnson and Sharpe’s media outlet labeling Kennedy with slurs, which the suit argues were baseless and amplified reputational damage.
Negligence allegations against the Steelers and Ford Field Management cite failures in stadium security and player conduct oversight.
Kennedy’s Press Conference
On February 4, Kennedy held a press conference, stating the lawsuit aims to “restore the truth.”
“This lawsuit is about restoring the truth,” Kennedy said, per CBS Pittsburgh. He seeks retractions from media defendants amid ongoing reputational harm.
Additional Defendants and Claims
DK Metcalf sued alongside parties accused of vicarious liability. Yahoo Sports reported demands for public apologies and damages. The Detroit Free Press detailed counts against Sharpe’s entity for defamation.
DK Metcalf sued focuses on the physical incident, while broader claims address media fallout. Steelers Depot provided legal analysis questioning case merits, but no responses from defendants were reported in sources.
Video coverage includes FOX 2 Detroit reports.
