North Charlotte Today

In a recent podcast discussion with Marshawn Lynch and Michael Robinson, DK Metcalf, the Steelers receiver, reflected on his "Welcome to the NFL" moment that taught him a humbling lesson during his rookie year. Metcalf, originally a second-round selection from Ole Miss, made a striking debut with the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, achieving a franchise record with 89 receiving yards in his first game.

His rookie season was notable not just for the records he set, including the most receiving yards by a rookie in a playoff game (160 yards and a touchdown) and 900 yards in the regular season, but also for a specific encounter. During Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers, he faced an unforgettable challenge from linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Recalling the moment, Metcalf described his attempt to get past the second level of defense only to be aggressively tackled by Kuechly. "I came around there," Metcalf explained on the podcast, "wrapped around, trying to get set. (Kuechly) threw me over the pile. I got up looking around."

As Lynch humorously pointed out that everyone noticed the play, Metcalf acknowledged the impact of facing Kuechly. "Luke Kuechly is the only one that actually put hands (on me) and he's the only one that I actually was like, 'that's a Hall of Famer.'" Kuechly, who retired at the end of that season, will be a Hall of Fame finalist next year after already reaching the final 15 this year.

Reflecting on the lesson learned, Metcalf shared, "I said never again. Never again will I let somebody do that to me as a human." This experience motivated Metcalf, leading to subsequent achievements, including two Pro Bowl selections and three seasons with 1,000-plus receiving yards.

While Metcalf has become a prominent figure in the NFL, it was his encounter with Kuechly in Carolina that helped shape his future as a player.