Steelers' DK Metcalf's Sideline Meltdown Is Met With Huge Criticism From Former Lions WR Golden Tate

The Pittsburgh Steelers earned a huge victory in Week 16 on Sunday, defeating the Detroit Lions 29-24 on the road at Ford Field. However, the win did not come without issues, as Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was caught on the sideline taking a swing at a fan in the stands on the sidelines. It is not certain what was said to Metcalf, who is in his first year with Pittsburgh, but on Monday, the NFL handed down a two-game suspension to the Steelers' star wideout. Shortly after the suspension was announced, it was reported that Metcalf will appeal.

Metcalf had just 4 catches for 42 yards on Sunday, good for an average of 10.5 yards per catch, but is still the Steelers' clear cut number one wide receiver. On Monday, former NFL wide receiver Golden Tate took to the Up and Adams show with Kay Adams and provided his thoughts on the situation, and how Metcalf reacted to the fan -- who allegedly made some derogatory comments.

"This is completely unacceptable," said Tate. "How they even got that close to each other in the first place, like why DK was even entertaining it, how he got into that situation, should not be in that situation. We know that fans, especially on the road, are going to be talking their mess."

On Monday, rumors started flying about the incident, including the suggestion that Metcalf had history with this fan during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, and he reportedly requested during the time of the alleged first incident that the fan be removed from the stands. The first occurrence, according to insider Tom Pelissero, happened in Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season. 

The two-game suspension is huge news for the Steelers, as they look to finish off winning the AFC North division over the Baltimore Ravens to clinch a playoff berth in the 2025 NFL season. Metcalf has totaled 59 receptions for 850 yards and 6 touchdowns in the Steel City thus far. The Steelers will now turn their attention to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and unless the Ravens lose the Green Bay Packers Saturday night, they will need to beat Cleveland on the road without Metcalf to clinch the AFC North crown.

Tate mentioned on the podcast Monday that he has been called many things during his time as an NFL wide receiver. He also included that things have been said about his family, but he was able to control his emotions and not lose his cool when these instances occurred in the past. Tate also added that he was not sure how Metcalf could have possibly ended up as close as he was to be in the situation he found himself in with the fan in Detroit.

Steelers Look To Pivot Without Number One Pass Catcher

The Steelers will now be without their number one pass catcher, at least for one game, depending on how the appeal process pans out for Metcalf. Metcalf has over double the amount of total yards receiving as the Steelers' second-leading pass catcher. That second leading pass catcher is running back Kenneth Gainwell, who has 410 yards receiving on the season.

The Steelers will now look to pivot and find other ways to produce offensively, with Metcalf most likely definitely being out this week on the road at the Browns. The Steelers will have to look to a balanced attack, similar to how they attacked the Lions. The Steelers saw multiple receptions for Gainwell, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Adam Thielen. Pittsburgh also saw a massive game from running back Jaylen Warren, who erupted for 143 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns.

Do you think Golden Tate was right and Metcalf overreacted? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation