DK Metcalf might have given some people nightmares with his headshot photo heading into the 2026 NFL season.
NFL on Prime Video recently shared juxtaposed photos of Metcalf from his first year in the league in 2019 and from his eighth in 2026, and the disparity could not have been starker.
The 2019 photo showed Metcalf, still in his Seattle Seahawks uniform, with a big smile, looking excited about what was in store for him in his pro career. The 2026 image, by contrast, had Metcalf appearing as though he’d gone through the wringer.
Gone is the smile in the 2026 photo, and his eyes were wide open, staring daggers right into the camera.
Here is a look at that post.
DK Metcalf wasn't playing around with his new headshot photo 😳 pic.twitter.com/TevOr3LaqF
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) August 24, 2026
The post has captured the attention (and imagination) of fans online, with many coming up with their own explanations behind Metcalf’s menacing look.
Buddy probably just heard the cameraman call him by his government name.
— Hunt 🌴 (@HuntJackman) August 24, 2026
He must’ve went on one of those retreats with ARod
— UNCLEJUT (@unclejut) August 25, 2026
Him and Aaron Rodgers took a trip to the Amazon Jungle this offseason
— Tyler (@core_signal1) August 25, 2026
WR syndrome got a hold of him
— B (@mrbluemellow) August 25, 2026
Thats the face of a man who's realized the grass wasn't greener after all.
— ɯnʇǝǝɥɔ (@cheetum) August 25, 2026
He realized he left too soon 😆
— Emad (@enoughalready19) August 24, 2026
The two-time Pro Bowler Metcalf doesn’t really need to carry himself that way to intimidate people, as his hulking physique can do the trick — one reason why he’s also such a headache to cover for opposing defensive backs.
In 2025, his first season with the Steelers, Metcalf recorded 850 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 59 catches and 99 targets over 15 games.
