DK Metcalf swung helmet in training camp fight giving Aaron Rodgers and Steelers taste of what to expect

DK Metcalf is preparing for his second year as a Pittsburgh Steeler.

The wide receiver, who spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, headed for Pennsylvania in a blockbuster trade.

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Metcalf, who famously got shredded on a diet of four bags of candy a day, managed a career-low 850 yards after linking up with Aaron Rodgers.

Signing a five-year deal worth $150million upon arrival to give his new team the kind of high-profile, big-play weapon they haven’t had since Antonio Brown left for the Raiders in 2019, it wasn’t the expected impact.

Pittsburgh has now added Michael Pittman and rookie Germie Bernard to the room in what will be Rodgers’ last dance before retirement.

The quartet will look to form a connection early on, and much of their bond will likely be made over an intense few weeks in camp.

Metcalf, in particular, will be hoping that things go a little smoother than they did two years ago.

In August 2024, he was at the center of a chaotic camp with the Seahawks.

At least five fights broke out in a single day, including one in which Metcalf swung a helmet at teammate Tre Brown.

Footage of the incident was captured by live television cameras, which were broadcasting from Seattle’s practice facility in Renton, Washington.

What began as a bit of pushing and shoving quickly escalated when Metcalf was spotted tearing the helmet off cornerback Brown, and attempting to strike him with it.

However, he instead hit safety K’Von Wallace, who was still wearing his own helmet.

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The incident led to head coach Mike Macdonald, who had just got the job, pausing practice to bring the team together around him.

However, his words didn’t seem to calm what was a heated session, and fighting then continued with WR Dee Eskridge and CB Carlton Johnson going after each other in the same 11-on-11 period.

Later, as offensive and defensive linemen faced each other in one-on-ones, a shove from guard Christian Haynes on edge rusher Derick Hall led to a fight between the sides that resulted in both players getting ejected.

Training brawls are not uncommon in the NFL, and just days before Seattle made headlines, the New York Giants and Detroit Lions were each fined $200,000 for multiple fights at joint practices.

Metcalf was praised by former coach Macdonald for how he helped defuse the situation afterwards.

“Definitely don’t want people fighting out here and stuff, especially against our own teammates,” he said.

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“DK gave a great message at the end of practice, just kind of putting everything into perspective.

“The guys finished out the right way. Proud of our guys.”

DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey bury the hatchet

Metcalf linked up with former rival in Jalen Ramsey in the Steel City.

Metcalf and Ramsey had a bitter rivalry when they were members of the Los Angeles Rams and Seahawks in the NFC West, going toe-to-toe twice a year.

Ramsey played for the Rams from 2019 until 2022, while Metcalf was on the Seahawks from 2019 to 2024.

The two shared memorable battles as fierce competitors and known trash-talkers, but there was always a sense of mutual respect towards one another at the end of the day.

During a segment of the NFL‘s Top 100 Players of the 2021 season, Metcalf was asked who the toughest cornerback was that he’s ever faced.

“Jalen. Jalen Ramsey,” Metcalf said with a laugh.

“I mean, just his trash talk, he’s strong, competitive. It’s just a battle every time we go up against each other.”