If you’re going to dish it, you have to be able to take it — even when it comes to sign language.
The Seahawks dropped their fourth consecutive game Sunday, falling 28-16 to the 49ers in Week 14. The loss was bad enough as is, but Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf got a little taste of his own medicine after the game.
The Seattle star has become known this season for his sign language, which he has picked up as a way to trash talk while not getting called by the officials.
Well, turns out he isn’t the only one picking up ASL on the side. 49ers long snapper Taybor Pepper put out a video after San Francisco’s win with a voiceless message for Metcalf.
Anyone know ASL? pic.twitter.com/LxjKw4Z3mq
— Taybor Pepper (@TayborSnapping) December 11, 2023
What is it that Pepper is saying?
“14, f—d around and found out.”
Yeah, Metcalf and the Seahawks kind of did find out. Not only did the loss help San Francisco pull away from the rest of the NFC West for the division lead, but it also knocked Seattle temporarily out of a playoff spot. It was the second Seahawks loss at the hands of the 49ers this season, dropping the team’s division record to a lowly 1-4.
MORE: Updated NFL standings, playoff picture Week 14
Why did DK Metcalf learn sign language?
Metcalf’s sign language has been a new addition to the 2023 season.
His signing was first noticed in Week 11 after he scored a first-quarter touchdown against the Rams. Metcalf gave a unique celebration, touching his hand to his chest before putting his palm to his forehead and the back down toward his chest.
Turns out, it was a way of taunting Los Angeles cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, as Metcalf signed “44, my son.”
Seahawks WR DK Metcalf takes sign language classes on off days so he can talk trash to opposing players without getting flagged 💀
After scoring on Rams’ CB Ahkello Witherspoon Sunday, Metcalf signed “#44, my son” pic.twitter.com/VhrZwjMW5X
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) November 22, 2023
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.”
DK turned on the jets 🚀#SEAvsDAL on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/YcXzMZb8jY pic.twitter.com/tY85nts0S0— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2023
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.
Metcalf may have been the first one to introduce sign language as a way of trash talking, but expect more players to follow in Pepper’s footsteps and learn the language to dish it back.
