Steelers coach Mike Tomlin shows support for star who took swing at Lions fan

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Detroit Lions 29-24, and are now 9-6. Colin Cowherd discusses the Steelers’ season so far and asks if Aaron Rodgers deserves the credit for their winning season.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he supports star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was suspended for two games by the NFL for throwing a punch at a Detroit Lions fan on Sunday. 

Metcalf was shown by the CBS broadcast grabbing a fan by the shirt and taking a swing at him. NFL Network reported that the fan made derogatory comments toward the 28-year-old. The fan later denied the allegation.

"He did explain to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK. And I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you," Tomlin said during a press conference on Tuesday.

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Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan, on Dec. 21, 2025. (Ryan Sun/AP Photo)

"I think he has a hearing this afternoon — an appeals hearing, and I certainly don’t want to weigh in prior to that, and certainly I’ve heard more recently that there might be legal ramifications, and so I better be careful about what I say and how I say it. I’m sure you guys got a lot of questions. I understand that, but that’s just a posture I’m in as I sit here today with so many components of this thing yet to be resolved."

Tomlin was asked if the Steelers prepare for "volatile rhetoric." He said that’s unfortunately become a part of sports today. 

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Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf, right, plays against