BB.Quay Walker Finally Speaks Out on DK Metcalf Incident — ‘It Took Everything In Me Not to Retaliate’

Aaron Rodgers News: Arthur Smith Has 21-Year Veteran Impressed With His Scheme, Declares Love for Steelers’ OC’s Flexible Offense 2 Jul 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers achieved an impressive road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, advancing to 5-1-1 and keeping hold of their spot as the NFC’s top team. On an evening where the Steelers offense failed to muster 300 yards of total offense, multiple Packers defenders had very strong showings, including linebacker Quay Walker. In addition to being involved in 5 tackles, Walker had a notable moment of composure when Steelers receiver DK Metcalf attempted to escalate an incident between the two players.

Green Bay Packers LB Quay Walker Maintains Composure During Incident With Pittsburgh’s DK Metcalf

The Green Bay Packers notched another win on Sunday, this time doing it on the road at Acrisure Stadium and against franchise legend Aaron Rodgers, who faced his former team for the first time. While Jordan Love and the offense had a stellar second half, the defense had another good overall showing against a Pittsburgh offense that has dangerous weapons like receiver DK Metcalf.

Metcalf, whom many Packers fans were praying GM Brian Gutekunst would be able to trade for in the offseason, has been fairly effective as a Steeler. He is averaging just over 65 yards receiving per game and has already found the endzone five times, which matches his total from last season, when he played for the Seattle Seahawks.

On Sunday night, as Metcalf and the Pittsburgh offense continued to be frustrated by a stingy Packers defense, Metcalf decided to go at Packers linebacker Quay Walker in the fourth quarter. He advanced towards Walker before poking a finger through his facemask towards his eye before fully grabbing Walker by the facemask. The referees flagged Metcalf for 15 yards, making what would have been a third and short a now 3rd & 17 for Pittsburgh.

While the two teams experienced some chippiness throughout, what Walker did not do in the situation was retaliate. Instead of Walker being provoked into a response that could have warranted offsetting penalties, the Steelers were backed up. It was an interesting display of maturity from a player who has had problems with keeping his composure in the past. Packers fans will remember Walker making a boneheaded mistake and was ejected after shoving a member of the Detroit Lions medical staff during a game in 2023.

Quay Walker Speaks on DK Metcalf Incident – Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs against Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (58) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.

Quay Walker Explains What He Was Thinking As DK Metcalf Attacked Him

Speaking with former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho the following day, Walker admitted that as soon as Metcalf reached his hand out towards his face, his mind immediately traveled back to the Detroit incident that marred his rookie season. He conceded that it was very hard for him to not retaliate in any capacity, especially during the intensity of a competitive football game.

Walker says that although he needs to keep himself aggressive while on the field, he has helped find more composure by meditating on the sideline and grounding himself. While it is understandable for a player to want to defend themselves or push back against a player who is instigating a confrontation, the team needs to always come first. The team is the one punished if a player makes a selfish personal decision to draw a personal foul. It is a bit of a full-circle moment for Walker to have avoided any incident given the situation.

Green Bay’s #7 expressed that he did not regret the way he handled himself in the moment.

“I’m happy I did what I did, I’m happy I went about it that way… I’m maturing so I’m happy for myself.”

Packers Plan Big Moves After Clearing $17M: Who’s Next in Green Bay? 1 Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) before action against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

On the other side, Pittsburgh fans are lamenting another silly penalty from Metcalf, who has consistently found issues with personal fouls throughout his 7 NFL seasons. He will almost certainly receive a hefty fine for his conduct.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.