Who Is DK Metcalf’s ASL Teacher Darrell Utley? More Details About Utley and His Teachings
Follow Us
DK Metcalf is one of the best wide receivers in the league. But recently, the Seahawks‘ WR has had a far bigger impact outside the field, probably without realizing it. Metcalf has been learning American Sign Language (ASL) to trash talk to his opponents and get away without consequences. For instance, he made headlines with his “standing on business” sign when he strode into the end zone for a first-quarter score against the Cowboys.
In a Seahawks press conference, the WR revealed that he has learned the skill from a person named Darrell Utley. He also revealed some of his background and family information. Interestingly, according to Mr. Utley, what Metcalf doesn’t realize is his influence on the deaf community, which Utley himself is a representative of.
Here’s all about DK Metcalf’s ASL teacher
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Earlier in a press conference, the WR gave insights about his ASL teacher, who he reportedly meets on Zoom once a week. As per Metcalf, Utley had told him that he was a resident of Tennessee, living with his wife and two daughters. As the Seahawks faced off against the Titans in NFL Week 16, Mr. Utley paid a visit to Metcalf at Tennessee’s Nissan Stadium.
#Seahawks DK Metcalf meets his ASL teacher, Darrell Utley, for the first time. 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/1fQ8rQJmkg
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 24, 2023
The WR further shared that his teacher was deaf, and seeing him smile made him happy. “Just shedding light on the ASL community, the deaf community to where more people are starting to learn ASL and starting to take heed to”, he also shared what he felt about the community while learning the language.
Trending
Shannon Sharpe Addresses Coach Prime’s Alleged Criticism for Not ‘Protecting’ Him From Controversial Attacks
May 04, 2024 05:31 AM EDT
“Coward”: Deion Sanders’ Innocence Shines as Dylan Edwards and Father’s Behavior Exposed in Fiery Feud With Colorado Buffs
May 04, 2024 04:10 AM EDT
Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill Left Stunned by 64YO Washington Legend as Darrell Green Shows Insane Athletic Prowess
May 05, 2024 06:15 AM EDT
“He’s Alive and Recovering”: Coach Prime Shows Vulnerability Over ‘Brother’s’ Sudden Health Scare and Recovery Update
May 04, 2024 02:20 AM EDT
“Deal With Big Boy Repercussions”: Cormani McClain & Co. Slapped With Transfer Portal’s Harsh Reality After Ditching Coach Prime’s Colorado
May 04, 2024 06:37 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“Guys Get Sick”: Jason Kelce Reveals Eagles Expected Jalen Hurts to Play vs Seahawks Despite Illness
But Metcalf further revealed that trash-talking was not his primary goal when he intended to learn ASL, but he discovered the prospect of using it in the games later.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Darrell Utley feels that Metcalf’s ASL usage is more than trash talks
Metcalf describes himself as an explorer and rapid learner. He had previously got into acting for some time. But Metcalf’s current learnings directly impact the game. He uses ASL to make certain signs and manages to fly under the radar of official rules. But it wasn’t always the case. “I think it started out as me trying to learn something new, and then the reffing thing kind of got thrown in the mix to where it kind of turned into trash talk”, he revealed in the conference.
Whatever Metcalf’s purpose is, Utley thinks it has had a huge influence on deaf people, and more people are learning about it. “I don’t think he realizes the impact he’s creating for the Deaf community, specifically on ASL”, his teacher said via an interpreter on National Public Radio. Many of the deaf children are never exposed to the language, and their parents mostly opt for cochlear implants. But seeing a national icon like Matcalf use it might change their mind, believes Utley. The WR might use it to banter with his opponents on the field, but it has a far bigger positive impact on society than football.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: “F***** Around and Found Out” – 49ers Long Snapper Taybor Pepper Pulls the Uno Reverse Card, Roasts DK Metcalf in Sign Language
Edited by:
Mallika Singh