Lions fan names DK Metcalf, Steelers, Ford Area in $100M defamation swimsuit

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Ryan Kennedy, a Michigan resident and self-described Detroit Lions fan, is taking authorized motion following a December altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers extensive receiver DK Metcalf at Ford Area.

Kennedy and his authorized workforce held a information convention in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on Dec. 26. On Tuesday, attorneys representing Kennedy introduced {that a} lawsuit had been filed in Wayne County Court docket. The lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages stemming from the Dec. 21 incident and names DK Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ford Area, the Lions’ longtime residence stadium.

Former NFL participant Chad Johnson, Ford Area administration and a number of media platforms have been additionally listed within the lawsuit, alleging that they performed a task in making "defamatory and life-altering statements" towards Kennedy within the aftermath of the incident.

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Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy, heart, seated subsequent to lawyer Sean Murphy, left, and lawyer Shawn Head, proper, whereas discussing the fan-involved altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers participant DK Metcalf on the Head Murphy Regulation workplace in Farmington Hills, Michigan on Dec. 26, 2025. (Ryan Garza/USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photographs)

The submitting outlines 9 counts, together with negligence towards Ford Area and a number of defamation claims towards Metcalf, Johnson and former NFL tight finish Shannon Sharpe's Shay Shay Media.

Throughout the first half of the Lions–Steelers recreation on Dec. 21, Metcalf appeared to take a swing at Kennedy, who was seated within the Ford Area stands. The NFL later disciplined Metcalf with a two-game suspension to shut the common season.

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On an episode of Shay Shay Media's "Nightcap" podcast launched the day after the incident, co-host Chad Johnson stated Metcalf advised him Kennedy directed a racial slur on the Steelers receiver and used a derogatory time period towards Metcalf’s mom.

Kennedy denied utilizing any slurs at a December press convention, a declare reiterated within the lawsuit.

A normal general aerial view of Ford Area on Dec. 7, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Kirby Lee/Getty Photographs)

"The statements have been false and reckless," the lawsuit states. "Plaintiff Kennedy didn't name Defendant Metcalf the 'N-word'; didn't name Defendant Metcalf’s mom a 'c---'; and didn't ever use any racial slurs or hate speech in any respect ... Defendant Metcalf supplied false data to Defendant Johnson about what Plaintiff Kennedy allegedly stated, thereby instigating and authorizing the publication of the defamatory and reckless statements, which have been meant to hurt Plaintiff Kennedy."

DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers appears to be like on previous to an NFL Preseason 2025 recreation towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/Getty Photographs)

Kennedy can be taking authorized motion towards the Steelers for the workforce's alleged legal responsibility within the incident, whereas Metcalf is accused of committing assault and battery within the lawsuit. The claims towards Ford Area administration are additionally primarily based on legal responsibility.

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"Defendant Ford Area Administration, LLC breached its obligation by failing to determine or implement sufficient limitations, protocols, or safety measures to forestall gamers from reaching into the stands and making bodily contact with patrons," the lawsuit reads.