Seattle Seahawks fans have a right to feel a lot of different ways about DK Metcalf. The former Seattle wide receiver reportedly requested to be traded a number of times by the team. General manager John Schneider finally dealt him to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.
The Steelers have mostly been known for a more conservative approach to free agency and trades, and it has worked well for them over the decades. This offseason, though, they seemingly went all-in by acquiring Metcalf and cornerback Jalen Ramsey in trades, and signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers in free agency.
One person involved in the Steelers' ownership group isn't a huge fan of the Metcalf trade, though. Patrick Rooney, Jr., the cousin of Steelers president Art Rooney II, spoke about the trades the team has done on a recent podcast and went a step too far in his criticism of the receiver.
Member of Steelers ownership group goes to far in chastising former Seahawks' DK Metcalf
Metcalf does have a bombastic attitude on the field and has cost the Seahawks too many times with 15-yard penalties, such as unsportsmanlike conduct. At times, he had issues controlling his temper. To be clear, this was always on the field.
Off the field, and where keeping his emotions under control is more important than a football game, Metcalf has not had any issues. He is not a bad human being, and that matters.
Seahawks fans might not like that the receiver no longer wants to play for their favorite team, and that feels personal. Ultimately, it isn't. Metcalf plays football for a profession, and he simply wanted to go to a different company.
What is odd is that someone from his new company badmouthed him so harshly. Patrick Rooney said on the overly wordy titled podcast, Palm Beach Kennel Club Picks, "...this team is not generally conducive to being able to deal with headcases. AKA, George Pickens, who we just had to get rid of. And you bring in DK Metcalf, who's a little bit like George Pickens, in terms of being a headcase."
A person can argue that Metcalf is too emotionally explosive on the field and needs to do a better job of controlling himself, but DK Metcalf is not a "headcase." He understands what he is doing most of the time and, away from the field, is not out of control or illogical.
Imagine, though, if Seahawks chairperson Jody Allen had called Metcalf a "headcase." Only, she wouldn't. She has too much class and awareness of what the reactions might be.
Patrick Rooney Jr. was simply lucky enough to be born into a family that has been in control of the Steelers since 1933. He likely feels he can say whatever he wants to without recourse because he can. Whether he calls someone a name and disabuses that person of their humanity is something he clearly cares nothing about.
Plus, how does Metcalf feel about Rooney calling him a "headcase" before the wide receiver has even played a down for his new team?
Ultimately, Seahawks fans will root against DK Metcalf when Seattle plays the Steelers in Week 2, but that is more about Metcalf the player. As a human being, there is nothing wrong with him, no matter what Patrick Rooney Jr. might suggest.
