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Pittsburgh Steelers Star Aaron Rodgers addressed an altercation between DK Metcalf and a Detroit Lions fan on Wednesday after the wide receiver was suspended for two games.
Rodgers spoke with reporters and was asked if a Lions fan had ever teased him or made him feel a certain way over the years.
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Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
“I guess what I'm saying is that I don't have a real relationship with any of these fans. On the surface, many different things are always said, some things are harmless, and some are not. I think there's a mentality that you pay for the ticket and say whatever the hell you want. I think there should be some kind of code of conduct. It was obviously intentional and I think there was some celebration on his part afterwards.”
“Obviously, don't justify what DK [Metcalf] did. I understand, you know, there have been a lot of crazy comments thrown at me over the years. The truth is that this will never happen face to face. You know, even the people that hate me the most in the cities that I've played against over the years, especially in the NFC North, it's always really welcoming to see some of these people on the street. But in this environment, you know, a lot of things are said. There are two sides to every story. And I support DK. I will continue to support DK. And this moment happened.”
Rogers said there are several factors that explain why negative fan interaction have become worse over the years.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers listens to a question during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Pushkar)
He pointed out that the use of fantasy football, sports gambling and social media, while having some benefits, has grown and moved out of the shadows and into normal life.
“At the same time, as you see, part of society is breaking down, let's just say maybe behavior has changed a little bit over the years,” Rogers said. “Now I'm all for good thrash talk, and, you know, Dawg Pound (in Cleveland) has a great fan base.
“You don't hear much playing Lambo for many years. These are some of the nicest fans you can imagine. You're a visiting fan, you're walking through Lombardi's and you end up in the back door. You probably have a beer in your hand, maybe some PBR and brat, it’s not the same everywhere in the league.”
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The Steelers will be without Metcalf for the rest of the season as Pittsburgh attempts to capture the AFC North title.
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