DK Metcalf sign language, explained: Why Seahawks star learned how to silently trash-talk NFL opponents

Bryan Murphy

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DK Metcalf sign language, explained: Why Seahawks star learned how to silently trash-talk NFL opponents image

Trash talking is slowly decreasing in the NFL. Whether fans, players and coaches like it or not, the league is cracking down on taunting, as they want their participants to set a good example for the younger audience. 

There are undoubtedly ways to get around the flags and fines, but DK Metcalf has found the perfect loophole: sign language. 

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The Seahawks wide receiver has admitted that he has begun taking ASL (American sign language) classes on his off days, learning the different hand motions to communicate with deaf people. While he may very well be picking up ASL due to family or friends who are hearing-impaired, he's also bringing the unique language on the field with him. 

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Here is more on Metcalf's sign language and his reason for picking it up.

DK Metcalf sign language, explained

Metcalf's sign language was first noticed in Week 11. After he scored a first-quarter touchdown against the Rams, he had a unique celebration, touching his hand to his chest before putting his palm to his forehead and then back down towards his chest. 

Turns out, it was a way of taunting Los Angeles cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, as Metcalf signed "44, my son." 

He did it again in Week 13 on "Thursday Night Football" when the Seahawks opened the prime time matchup against the Cowboys with a 73-yard touchdown from Geno Smith to Metcalf. This time, he signed, "Stand on business."

In Week 14, Metcalf found the end zone once more, getting on the board in the first quarter of the Seahawks' loss to the 49ers. He had a new message to send this time, later explaining that he was signing, "I’m a dog, woof!"

While it may not have been picked up by fans until mid-November, Metcalf has discussed the topic before. He went on The Rich Eisen Show earlier in the season where he brought up learning sign language and the reason behind it. 

"I kept getting flagged for my mouthing, so got to sign my s—talking now," Metcalf explained. 

Eisen brought up a great point — what happens if an official on the field knows sign language and understands what Metcalf is signing?

"I'll just be talking to him on the side, we'll have our own dialogue," Metcalf said with a chuckle. "It's somebody else to talk to."

The classes Metcalf were taken were online, so he had not met his ALS teacher, Darrell Utley, in person. That changed in Week 16, as the Seahawks wide receiver and Utley finally got the chance to get together face-to-face ahead of Seattle's matchup against Tennessee. 

DK meets his ASL teacher, Darrell Utley, for the first time. pic.twitter.com/aUBNTMBlK6

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 24, 2023

So if there are any football fans out there who also know sign language, watch the next time you see Metcalf making hand motions. He may be speaking a language only a select few can understand. 

So if there are any football fans out there who also know sign language, watch the next time you see Metcalf making hand motions. He may be speaking a language only a select few can understand. 

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Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.