For DeKaylin “DK” Metcalf, Normani means more than just motivation. In July 2023, the singer of “Wild Side” went public about her relationship with the Seattle Seahawks wide receiver through an Instagram post, following their first public appearance together at Seahawks player Tyler Lockett’s wedding.
The two were introduced by Ciara and Russell Wilson, who used to play alongside Metcalf before his team switch. During a June 2024 interview with Ebro on Apple Music, Normani revealed that Ciara had been trying to bring them together for some time, and they eventually met at one of her gatherings.
Normani shared, “We met through Ciara and Russ, and if you could trust anyone to set you up, it’d be them.” As Normani geared up for the release of her debut album Dopamine, she spoke with Rolling Stone in June 2024, expressing how “very happy” she is in her relationship. She referred to Metcalf as an “answered prayer,” particularly after navigating hardships, including both her parents being diagnosed with cancer.
Normani and DK Metcalf’s romance was confirmed in July 2023, following a wedding appearance
“I’ve been through a lot with relationships,” she said, adding, “I’m a lover at heart… I like seeing myself happy.” From the match-making efforts of Ciara and Russell to the album tracks Metcalf inspired, here’s everything to know about their relationship. The couple sparked dating rumors in 2022 but confirmed their romance in 2023.
Speculation about their relationship began in June 2022 when they were seen together at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. However, it wasn’t until July 2023 that Normani made their relationship Instagram-official, posting a photo of Metcalf kissing her on the cheek during Lockett’s wedding. The confirmation was backed up by a video Russell Wilson shared of the pair dancing together at the celebration. Normani’s introduction to Metcalf wasn’t accidental.
In fact, Ciara and Russell played cupid, as the Fifth Harmony alum shared during an interview. Ciara insisted Normani come to a party she was hosting, hinting that someone special would be there. Normani revealed, “She was really insistent I attend, and when I was on my way, she let me know, ‘Your boy’s gonna be there.’”
Metcalf, on his end, was unaware of the setup as well. Normani explained that the couple orchestrated the meetup without either of them knowing. “They were playing cupid, and it worked,” she added. Though Normani was involved with dancer Rameer Colon at the time, Ciara kept suggesting Metcalf as a potential partner, persisting, “Hey, but this guy though!”
Normani cherishes her relationship with Metcalf. After over two years together, Normani reflected on her bond with the NFL star, expressing her gratitude for the relationship during an interview with Rolling Stone. She emphasized how good it feels to be a “lover girl” with someone who reciprocates her affection.
“I’m truly happy,” Normani stated. “Wearing my heart on my sleeve has always been my way, and it feels wonderful to find a space where that’s returned.” She also told Ebro, “He’s a blessing and a light for me, especially during my lowest moments.” Metcalf inspired her song “Lights On.”
While working on Dopamine, which released in June 2024, Normani found herself creatively stumped as her parents battled cancer. The challenges took a toll on her artistic motivation, but Metcalf provided a source of inspiration for the project.
“He’s inspired a few songs on the album,” Normani shared, revealing that Metcalf was particularly excited when he learned that “Lights On” was written about him. She explained how she aimed to keep the track intimate and sensual, wanting it to capture the feeling of him being present with her. After the album’s release, she revealed on the Zach Sang Show that “Take My Time” was his favorite song on the record.
The couple also shares a playful dynamic. In a May 2024 interview with Elle, Normani showed her fun side by prank-calling Metcalf and quoting lyrics from her song “Wild Side,” teasing him with, “I’m ready to pull up on you.” Caught off guard, Metcalf responded, calling her by her middle name and asking, “Kordei, what are you talking about?” before realizing she was joking. Normani proudly supports Metcalf’s career.
Despite their busy lives in music and sports, both have openly supported each other’s work. Though she couldn’t attend in person, Normani cheered for Metcalf during his November 2023 game against the Dallas Cowboys, sharing a clip of his impressive 73-yard touchdown on Instagram with an excited caption: “Yahhhhhhhhhhhh!”
