DK Metcalf Sued for $100 Million by Lions Fan Ryan Kennedy Over Ford Field Incident
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, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media, Ford Field management, and others, alleging assault, battery, defamation, and negligence stemming from a December 21, 2025, altercation at Ford Field.
The suit includes nine counts, with two defamation claims against DK Metcalf, Johnson, and Shay Shay Media for repeating unsubstantiated claims that Kennedy used a racial slur and misogynistic language toward Metcalf.[3] Kennedy denies the allegations, asserting in the complaint: “Plaintiff Kennedy did not call Defendant Metcalf the ‘N-word’; did not call Defendant Metcalf mother a ‘c—‘; and did not ever use any racial slurs or hate speech whatsoever.”[2]
The Altercation
During the second quarter of the Lions-Steelers game at Ford Field, Metcalf reached into the stands, grabbed and swung at Kennedy after heckling. The NFL suspended Metcalf for two games. Kennedy claims assault and battery by Metcalf, negligence by Ford Field for inadequate security, and vicarious liability by the Steelers.[1]
NFL Letter Clears Kennedy
A December 24, 2025, letter from the Detroit Lions’ Ejections & Incident Review Committee to Kennedy stated:
“Mr. Metcalf alleged that prior to the physical altercation, he was subjected to verbal harassment from you, including racist and misogynistic language. At this time we have not found any evidence that confirms these specific violations.”[1]
The letter was presented at a press conference announcing the suit.
Press Conference and Reactions
Kennedy and his attorney, Jon Marko of Marko Law Firm, held a press conference on February 4. Kennedy said:
“I respect the NFL, its players and fans of all races and cultures and I would never use or publicly shout racial slurs or threatening language. It is simply not who I am. What’s been said about me on national and international media is not truly and deeply hurtful, being called a racist for something I did not say has caused serious damage to my family business, reputation and it has put my personal safety at risk.”[1]
Marko criticized the podcast with 1.9 million subscribers for spreading unverified claims without retraction, picked up by ESPN and others.[7]
The lawsuit seeks damages for reputational harm, threats, and business losses from the “dk metcalf sued” coverage. No response from defendants was reported in sources. Additional analysis appears on Steelers Depot.[10]
