NFL Officially Fines Dallas Turner for Punching Steelers’ DK Metcalf in Heated Clash vs Vikings

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ dramatic 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin was filled with fireworks on the field – but one of the biggest storylines came from a controversial moment in the fourth quarter. Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner struck Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf in the helmet during a heated exchange, drawing a penalty flag for unnecessary roughness.

The altercation came after a scuffle involving Metcalf’s teammates, when Turner reacted by swinging his hand into Metcalf’s facemask. While the penalty added 15 yards to Pittsburgh’s drive, it didn’t ultimately change the outcome, as the Steelers were stopped near the goal line.

Still, the NFL made it clear that Turner’s actions crossed the line. Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the decision, emphasizing the league’s zero-tolerance stance on such behavior. “We hold all players to the highest standard of professionalism,” Goodell said. “Striking an opponent in the head has no place in our game. Protecting players and upholding the integrity of the sport will always remain our priority.”

On Monday, the league officially announced Turner has been fined $15,000 for the incident. The punishment underscores the NFL’s continued push to discourage dangerous and unsportsmanlike conduct on the field.

The fine comes after what was otherwise Turner’s solid outing for Minnesota, where he logged four tackles and continued to carve out a regular role in the defense. But his late-game lapse overshadowed his performance and added to the frustration of a Vikings team that came up short despite quarterback Carson Wentz’s 350-yard passing day.

For Metcalf, the clash was just a footnote to his best game yet in a Steelers uniform. He recorded five receptions for 126 yards and scored on a historic 80-yard touchdown – the longest ever in international NFL play. Pittsburgh’s victory moved them to 3-1 on the season, while Minnesota dropped to 2-2.