Clarity emerges on why Eagles’ Jalen Carter spit at Dak Prescott before Cowboys even took a snap in 2025 NFL Kickoff game
Carter and Prescott co-starred one of the most flabbergasting moments in NFL Kickoff history.
In one of the most flabbergasting moments I remember watching on a football game, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected after spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Thursday’s NFL Kickoff game was just getting started, with no offensive snaps being played yet. During a pause following an injury on the opening kickoff, Carter approached Prescott and spit at him. Cameras caught the action but no one really knew what happened. Now we have some clarity thanks to Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris.
“According to two people with knowledge of the ordeal, Dak Prescott spit on the ground in the general vicinity of the Eagles defensive huddle,” Harris reported on X. “Carter thought it was hostile. While Prescott was explaining it wasn’t, Carter spit back.”
Referee Shawn Smith explained the decision to eject Carter during the game’s weather delay.
“It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game,” Smith told PFWA Pool Reporter Zach Berman. “It’s a non-football act.”
Cowboys have capitalized on the mistake so far
At the time of publishing this article, the Cowboys and Eagles find themselves in a weather suspension in the third quarter. Though the Eagles are up 24-20, the Cowboys have taken advantage of Carter’s big mistake.
Carter is one of the NFL’s best defensive linemen and a monster versus the run. The Cowboys have averaged six yards per rush attempt. Meanwhile, pass protection has held up, too. Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have connected for four catches and 86 yards, including a 32-yard gain early in the game.
It’s been a fun game and it’s wild to think Carter is missing it because of such a lapse in judgement. I’m not saying the score would be drastically different but this game is going down to the wire. One or two big plays could go a long way. Carter will likely face a fine from the NFL next Saturday as a result of the controversial moment.
Dallas Cowboys News
Brian Schottenheimer makes his first shocking gameday decision as Cowboys head coach and it’s a truly confusing one
Wait, what?
