Aaron Rodgers Addresses DK Metcalf’s Altercation With Fan, Suspension

The Steelers will be without wide receiver DK Metcalf for the final two games of the regular season after he was suspended for getting into a physical altercation with a fan during Pittsburgh’s win over the Lions on Sunday. Metcalf was seen on the sidelines taking a swipe at a fan in the middle of the game, and will now be out until at least the postseason.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed the incident on Wednesday.

“I think there’s a mindset that you pay for a ticket, you say whatever the hell you want,” he said. “I think there should be some sort of code of conduct. Obviously that was intentional and I think there was some celebration afterward on his part. Obviously don’t condone what DK did. I understand, there have been a lot of crazy comments said my way over the years. The truth is that would never happen face to face. ... There’s two sides to every story. I support DK, I’ll continue to support DK.”

Rodgers also said he thinks the rise of fantasy football, gambling and social media has added to change in fan conduct.

“A lot of that stuff is really good for the sport. Now at the same time, as you’re seeing parts of society erode, maybe the conduct has changed over the years” https://t.co/ViP8Ln3gZt
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 24, 2025

Rodgers also indicated that fantasy football, gambling and social media have changed the way fans interact with players. “A lot of that stuff is really good for the sport,” Rodgers said. “Now at the same time, as you’re seeing parts of society erode, maybe the conduct has changed over the years.”

Tomlin shared a similar message as Rodgers, saying earlier this week, “[Metcalf] did explain to me why he did what he did,” Tomlin told reporters. “I certainly don’t condone the behavior. But I support DK.”

There is a guest code of conduct similar to what Rodgers was calling for as he spoke to the media. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions found no violation of this code and do not plan to take action against him. The NFL does plan to follow up with the Lions after hearing from Metcalf and others during his appeal.

Meanwhile, Rodgers and the Steelers will prepare for their upcoming games against the Browns and Ravens. Pittsburgh is trying to lock up the AFC North, and will have to do so without Metcalf on the field.