Just because the Steelers’ and Lions’ seasons have ended, it doesn’t mean the off-the-field drama has.
Detroit fan Ryan Kennedy filed a $100 million lawsuit against Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf and the media company tied to Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe, alleging defamation, negligence and more, his attorney announced Tuesday.
Kennedy is also suing the wide receiver for assault and battery, as well as the Steelers for their alleged liability in a Dec. 21 incident when Metcalf swiped at the Lions fan, who was leaning over the barrier for Ford Field in Detroit while wearing a blue wig during a game. Ford Field management is also reportedly named in the suit.
He is seeking damages and court-ordered public retractions to clear his name.
Kennedy, who was accused of directing a racial slur at Metcalf, claims he was portrayed “falsely as a racist in the national media.”
Ryan Kennedy (l) and lawyer Shawn Head (r).
One of his attorneys, Jon Marko, has said no audio or video evidence supports the allegation that a racial slur was used and alleges that this narrative has caused harm to Kennedy personally and professionally. Kennedy previously tried to set the record straight, denying the allegations during a press conference alongside his legal team on Dec. 26.
“Being falsely branded as a racist is one of the most damaging accusations that a private citizen can endure,” attorney Shawn Head, said as Kennedy sat next to him wearing a backward Lions hat. “It’s dangerous and causes very real consequences and very real damage.”
“I want to be crystal clear about one thing — I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff at the game,” Kennedy added.
“The goal here is accountability and to correct the record,” Head said. “The false accusations or racial statements or racial slurs being used causes real damage and that needs to be corrected. … (Metcalf) can come out and tell the truth and indicate that he never heard any racial slur uttered by Mr. Kennedy. Right now we’re evaluating all of our options, of course, and we’re going to make sure we use any legal remedies available to protect Ryan Kennedy and his family. We’re not going to litigate this in the media. We’re here, today, to set the record straight.”
DK Metcalf swipes at a Lions fan during Steelers’ win on Dec. 21, 2025.
Head pleaded with Metcalf to say that Kennedy didn’t direct a racial slur him, and noted that he had previously reached out to the two-time Pro Bowler’s camp, but didn’t hear back.
The racial allegations against Kennedy got more attention when Johnson, a former All-Pro wideout, said Kennedy called Metcalf a racial slur by saying “the n-word and he did call his mom a c–t,” as stated on the “Nightcap” podcast he co-hosts with Sharpe.
Head and Kennedy also denied those claims.
The Detroit Free Press previously reported Kennedy called Metcalf by his government name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf, and that’s what ticked off the 28-year-old star.
Head said his client called Metcalf by his first name and asked him to sign a Steelers jersey.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dk Metcalf (4) sits on the bench in the fourth quarter of an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium.
Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson was named in the lawsuit.
Another report emerged later that Metcalf and Kennedy have a history: the wideout reported the Detroit fan last season to Seattle security while he played for the Seahawks.
Head explained that the incident was investigated and no conduct violation was found.
Following the incident in December, the NFL suspended Metcalf for two games for violating league policy, which sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season. He played in the Steelers’ wild-card loss to the Ravens, tallying 42 yards on two receptions.
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