A Detroit Lions fan has filed a $100 million lawsuit in Michigan court following a viral sideline altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf during a December NFL game at Ford Field.
Ryan Kennedy, a Michigan resident, submitted the complaint Tuesday in Wayne County Court, naming Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers, former NFL receiver Chad Johnson, Shay Shay Media, and additional parties as defendants.
The lawsuit stems from a December 21 incident during the Lions vs. Steelers matchup in Detroit, when Metcalf appeared to take a swing at Kennedy during the second quarter. The confrontation later resulted in a two-game suspension for Metcalf by the NFL.
In the filing, Kennedy alleges that the defendants made false and defamatory statements about him in the aftermath of the incident, which he claims caused significant harm to his reputation. The complaint lists nine counts, including multiple defamation claims, along with assault and battery allegations against Metcalf.
DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan pic.twitter.com/a478Zjg3tR
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025
Kennedy also argues that the Steelers bear legal responsibility for Metcalf’s actions under principles of employer liability. The lawsuit focuses heavily on remarks made the day after the game on the Nightcap podcast, where Johnson said Metcalf told him that Kennedy used racial slurs, including the n-word, and made a derogatory comment about Metcalf’s mother.
Kennedy has denied those allegations since they first surfaced and reiterates in the lawsuit that the claims are false and were made recklessly.
Attorney Jon Marko, who represents Kennedy, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations in a statement to TMZ Sports:
“The N-word is the most offensive and inflammatory racial slur in the English language. No other word expresses so much hatred and bigotry. Falsely accusing someone of using that word hurts not only the person falsely accused, but hurts every victim of racial hatred and bigotry.”
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In the court filing, Kennedy claims Metcalf provided Johnson with false information that helped spark what he describes as a viral and defamatory narrative. In addition to seeking monetary damages, Kennedy is also requesting a full public retraction and correction of the statements he alleges were defamatory.
Ryan Kennedy Expands Lawsuit To Include Team And Stadium Accountability
Beyond the claims tied to public statements, Ryan Kennedy is also suing DK Metcalf for assault and battery related to the sideline confrontation itself. The lawsuit further names the Pittsburgh Steelers, alleging the team bears responsibility for Metcalf’s actions during the game.
Kennedy has additionally brought claims against Ford Field, arguing that stadium officials failed to implement adequate barriers or security measures to prevent players from reaching into the stands and making physical contact with fans.
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The case remains pending in Wayne County Court. No court dates or rulings have been announced, and the defendants had not publicly responded to the lawsuit as of the filing date.
