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Ryan Kennedy, a Michigan resident and self-described Detroit Lions fan, is taking legal action following a December altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf at Ford Field.
Kennedy and his legal team held a news conference in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on December 26. On Tuesday, attorneys representing Kennedy announced that the lawsuit was filed in Wayne County Court. The lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages stemming from the Dec. 21 incident and names DK Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ford Field, the Lions’ former stadium.
Former NFL player Chad Johnson, Ford Field executives and several media outlets were also named in the lawsuit, alleging that they were involved in making “defamatory and life-altering statements” against Kennedy after the incident.
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Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy, center, sits next to attorney Sean Murphy, left, and attorney Shawn Head, right, as they discuss a dispute involving fans and Pittsburgh Steelers player DK Metcalf at the Head Murphy Law office in Farmington Hills, Michigan on Dec. 26, 2025. (Ryan Garza/USA TODAY NETWORK via Magn Images)
The filing outlines nine claims, including negligence at Ford Field and multiple defamation claims against Metcalf, Johnson and former NFL player Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media.
In the first half of the Lions-Steelers game on December 21, Metcalf was seen running at Kennedy, who was sitting in the stands at Ford Field. The NFL later served Metcalf with a two-game suspension to end the regular season.
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In an episode of Shay Shay Media’s “Nightcap” podcast released the day after the incident, host Chad Johnson said Metcalf told him that Kennedy had directed a racial slur at the Steelers receiver and used a derogatory term toward Metcalf’s mother.
Kennedy denied using the profanity at a December press conference, a claim repeated in court.
A general aerial view of Ford Field on Dec. 7, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
“The statements are false and reckless,” the lawsuit said. “Plaintiff Kennedy did not call Defendant Metcalf the ‘N-word’; he did not call Defendant Metcalf’s mother a ‘c—‘; nor did he use any racial slurs or hate speech … statements, which were intended to harm Plaintiff Kennedy.”
Pittsburgh Steelers’ DK Metcalf looks on before the 2025 NFL Preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Kennedy also took legal action against the Steelers for the team’s allegations in the incident, while Metcalf is accused of assault and battery in the case. Claims against Ford Field management are also based on liability.
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“Defendant Ford Field Management, LLC breached its duty by failing to establish or enforce adequate barriers, policies, or safety measures to prevent players from accessing the stands and making physical contact with patrons,” the lawsuit states.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Lions for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Metcalf recorded 850 yards receiving in his first season with the Steelers.
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