DK Metcalf Sued: Lions Fan Seeks $100M in Defamation Lawsuit Over Ford Field Incident
Feb. 4, 2026 — Detroit Ryan Kennedy, a Detroit Lions fan, filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, known fully as DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf, alleging false claims that Kennedy used racial slurs and misogynistic language during a sideline altercation at Ford Field on December 21, 2025. The suit, part of the high-profile case where DK Metcalf was sued, also names the Steelers organization, Ford Field Management LLC, former NFL player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media LLC, and All Time Sports LLC, hosts of the “Nightcap” podcast.
The incident occurred during a Steelers-Lions game when Kennedy heckled Metcalf by using his full name, prompting Metcalf to grab Kennedy by the shirt. Metcalf was subsequently suspended for two games by the NFL.
Background of the Altercation
Kennedy denies using the N-word or any slurs directed at Metcalf or his mother. Accusations reportedly originated from Metcalf and were amplified by Johnson on the “Nightcap” podcast, which has 1.9 million subscribers, leading to death threats, hate mail, business losses, and reputational damage for Kennedy, according to the lawsuit details. A December 24, 2025, letter from the Lions’ Ejections & Incident Review Committee stated there was no evidence of racial slurs, supporting Kennedy’s claims in this matter where DK Metcalf was sued.
Lawsuit Claims and Defendants
The complaint includes nine counts, such as two defamation claims against Metcalf, Johnson, and Sharpe’s entities, assault against Metcalf, and negligence against Ford Field Management and the Steelers, as outlined in Detroit Free Press coverage. Kennedy seeks $100 million in damages, public retractions, and other remedies. This escalation in the DK Metcalf sued saga was detailed in multiple outlets, including CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports.
Press Conference and Attorney Statements
At a February 4 press conference, Kennedy and his attorney, Jon Marko, addressed the filing. Marko emphasized the suit’s purpose:
“It’s about clearing his name, not anger.”
as reported by FOX 2 Detroit and CBS News Pittsburgh.
Defendants’ Response and Ongoing Coverage
No responses from Metcalf, the Steelers, or other defendants have been noted in available reports. Social media discussions on X show skepticism about the suit’s merits. Additional coverage appears in The Athletic, WTAE Pittsburgh, and Michigan Lawyers Weekly, with the case docket available via Wayne County Circuit Court under “Ryan Kennedy v. DeKaylin Metcalf et al.” As of February 26, 2026, no major updates in the DK Metcalf sued proceedings.
