Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Brian wolf wrote: ↑Wed Dec 31, 2025 3:54 pm ...Metcalf in Cleveland but he screwed up big time...

What Metcalf did was reprehensible but the NFL allowing a fan's intentional, criminal act to alter the course of a season isn't good, either.

I can still see the glee on that fan's face for knowing that there would be consequences for the Steelers because of his antagonistic behavior.
In short, a soccer hooligan might eliminate the Steelers from the playoffs with no consequences for himself.
At the very least he should be banned for life from NFL events. I hope charges are filed.
If not we could see more of this behavior from fans and more such confrontations.

Youre right, and Seattle and NFL security knew about him last year and let him in that game but you cant let a guy's words get to you ... He is lucky the team isnt trying to get bonus money back.
Whats ur gut instinct Matt? Take the Ravens -3.5 points with Jackson practicing, or do you feel the Steelers cover at home?

Brian wolf wrote: ↑Wed Dec 31, 2025 7:12 pm ...you cant let a guy's words get to you ...

Generally speaking I agree.
And I've never been a violent person (except on the football field) or gone looking for a fight (especially on the football field) but I will stand up for me and mine (people, not property). There is a legal term called "Fighting Words" that allows for incendiary language to be used as a defense for assault in court.
I'm not a lawyer but I do know that if someone crosses the line of free speech (and there are various definitions thereof) you can be defended for "throwing the first punch."
I don't advise or condone it but that's something to keep in mind next time words get heated.

Free Speech is protected.
Getting in someone's face, yelling, screaming and spitting on them and challenging them to a fight is not.

It seems (from what I've heard) that what happened with Metcalf does not cross that line but if Seattle knew this guy was a provocateur and allowed him into the game and to get that close to the opposing players they are guilty of at least an act of "unsportsmanlike conduct."
The games should be decided by those on the field not those in the stands (crowd noise and distant replay notwithstanding).

That guy should, in my opinion, be banned from attending games.
And while I wouldn't wish harm on anyone, I wouldn't be too upset if, in a similar situation in the future, should he again "cross a line," someone taught that 'gentleman" a lesson.
And I wouldn't visit Pittsburgh in the near future if I were him...

Sorry JJ, didnt mean to confuse you bringing up Matt ... was hoping he would get back on an opinion but should have PM, him.

That fan I think is trying to sue Metcalf ... he claims he yelled his full name and DJ went ballistic ...

From what I've seen of different cell phone videos of this particular asshole, er fan, he didn't drop any N-bombs or used any other language that might've curled your grandma's toes. He basically was yelling Metcalf's given name and DK was dumb enough and irritated enough to wander over to the stands and confront the blue-wigged doofus about it.

It got me to wondering. Did fans ever yell "Hey, Cornelius McGillicuddy" at Connie Mack back in the day, thinking it would get a rise out of him?

Brian wolf wrote: ↑Wed Dec 31, 2025 3:54 pm Good question, Matt ... I really felt the Steelers would have won the division with Metcalf in Cleveland but he screwed up big time.
Now, I am not sure if Rodgers would want to play with him next year, even if he has forgiven him. This team had no one produce against the Browns but that defense is tough. The Steelers always have problems there but can still win the division at home.

Its easy to say the Ravens will beat them, but we dont know what Jackson will do? Yes, Henry had a huge game last week but he is older now and might not recover as quickly. The Ravens may have to throw more but this Steelers team can rise to the occasion. The real question is, how much does Rodgers like Tomlin? Even if they lose, I feel if he believes in Tomlin, he will be back but with Heyward, Watt and Ramsey aging before our eyes, and Metcalf suffering from roid' rage ... like you said, he might not be back.

If the Steelers D can shut down the run like it did against Detroit, they have a great chance to win. If not, then forget it, Baltimore will make the Steelers' D off-balance and cause a lot of problems.

Lamar is 3-6 against the Steelers in his career. It also depends if the Steelers actually 'get up' for this game. Are they going to force turnovers on defense? Is Rodgers going to be the MVP-form of himself? Will they be able to run the football? There are a lot of questions.

As far as Rodgers, I remember in June he did say that 2025 would likely be his final season. But who knows, he loves the spotlight and it would not surprise me if he returns in 2026.

Whoever wins this game is really in for it... because in the wild card round of the playoffs, the #1 defense in the NFL is coming to town in Houston. I don't think either team can beat the Texans right now.

Well, the Steelers basically get lucky and make the playoffs. If a win like that doesnt help Rodgers decide to come back next year, maybe a playoff win will, but the Texans will be awfully tough.

What a difference a year makes ... Cousins gets benched by his HC in 2024, the team keeps him anyway which is prudent, considering injuries to Penix and after helping his team to a four* game winning streak to end the year, the HC gets fired and Cousins may still stay with the team? I really didnt feel Morris would get fired.

*Edited

With Tomlin out in Pittsburgh ... does Rodgers return, retire, or try to join the Vikings again? Another team? If he retires, who will QB in Pittsburgh?

Brian wolf wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 4:20 pm With Tomlin out in Pittsburgh ... does Rodgers return, retire, or try to join the Vikings again? Another team? If he retires, who will QB in Pittsburgh?

The question came up at work today. Will Rodgers QB the Steelers next season? My answer was... 50/50. After the Tomlin news broke, I changed my answer to definitely not. Whether he retires or heads to yet another team, we'll see. I bet he retires.

I'm sure Rodgers will be back, but with another team. He's 42 but what else would the dude do with his life? Doesn't have any kids and doesn't seem to have much interest in business.

Or maybe RFK Jr. will hire him.