RENTON, Wash. – DK Metcalf, the Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, has found a unique way to gain attention both on and off the field. Metcalf has taken up American Sign Language (ASL) as a hobby, aiming to broaden his horizons and learn something new. Little did he know that his foray into ASL would become a means of self-expression during games, without the risk of penalties.
Metcalf’s newfound proficiency in ASL came to prominence after he scored his first touchdown of the season in a 41-35 loss against the Dallas Cowboys. Following his remarkable 73-yard touchdown catch-and-run, Metcalf signed the phrase, Standing on business, which instantly captured the attention of viewers.
Teammate Boye Mafe, who learned ASL during his younger years, reintroduced Metcalf to the language and helped the duo communicate around the Seahawks’ facility, further honing their skills in the process.
Having been exposed to ASL during his college days at Ole Miss, Metcalf decided to ramp up his learning this summer with the goal of becoming fluent. Through his agency, he connected with Darrell Utley, a deaf sign language instructor based in Knoxville, Tennessee. The two meet via Zoom for an hour each week, progressing through their ASL lessons.
Although Metcalf had some prior knowledge from his college class, he considered himself to be starting from square one. In just seven sessions, he has made significant strides despite the virtual setting. Utley’s deafness necessitates that their conversations occur solely in ASL, with Metcalf recording their teaching sessions for future reference.
Metcalf is enjoying the learning process, with the recordings now saved on his phone. In his downtime, he reviews the videos or watches them during team travel, relishing in the opportunity to challenge himself and shed light on a community that might often feel unseen or overlooked.
As for how he plans to incorporate ASL into his on-field celebrations, Metcalf prefers spontaneity. While Standing on business was planned, he wants future gestures to be authentic and ideally executed after a trip to the end zone.
The hope is for Metcalf and Utley to meet in person when the Seahawks travel to Tennessee on December 24, a testament to the diverse ways of communication beyond traditional means.
Seattle coach Pete Carroll commended Metcalf’s innovative approach, recognizing that it introduces a fresh perspective on expression and challenges people to think beyond the norm. Carroll anticipates that as Metcalf continues to gain attention for his ASL usage, more individuals will be encouraged to learn about and appreciate the language.
Metcalf’s journey with ASL reflects his commitment to personal growth and connecting with others. By learning ASL and using it on the field, he aims to contribute to the wider community while captivating viewers and leaving them wondering about the messages he is signing.
As Metcalf’s proficiency in ASL grows, so does his ability to communicate beyond words, becoming a veritable ambassador for inclusivity and the power of overcoming communication barriers. With his bright smile and desire to learn, Metcalf’s impact reaches far beyond the football field, inspiring others to embrace new ways of expression and understanding.
