Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected just six seconds into the NFL season opener against the Dallas Cowboys after spitting on quarterback Dak Prescott, an incident that has drawn widespread criticism and raised questions about potential league discipline.
The altercation occurred during an injury delay after the opening kickoff on Thursday, September 4, 2025, when Carter and Prescott engaged in a heated exchange. Television footage captured Carter appearing to spit at Prescott, prompting immediate ejection by officials for unsportsmanlike conduct. Referee Shawn Smith later confirmed that spitting on an opponent is a disqualifiable foul and constitutes a non-football act, underscoring the severity of the violation.
Carter expressed deep remorse after the game, issuing a public apology to his teammates, coaches, and fans. “It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” he stated. “I feel bad for my teammates and the fans out there. I’m doing it for them.” He acknowledged the disappointment of being unable to contribute to the game’s outcome and vowed to learn from the incident.
Prescott offered his version of events, explaining that he frequently spits during games to avoid his offensive linemen and did not intend to target Carter. He characterized the situation as a misunderstanding that escalated rapidly. “I wouldn’t spit on somebody,” Prescott emphasized. “It was more of a surprise than anything when he spit on me.” His comments suggested that Carter may have misinterpreted a routine action, leading to the confrontation.
Despite Carter’s early ejection, the Eagles managed to secure a 24-20 victory over the Cowboys. The team faced significant challenges, committing nine penalties for 110 yards, but demonstrated resilience in overcoming the adversity. The win marked a positive start to their title defense campaign, though the spotlight remained firmly on Carter’s conduct.
The NFL has not yet announced any additional disciplinary measures, but league policies allow for fines or suspensions for players ejected from games. Historical precedents, such as Bill Romanowski’s $7,500 fine in 1997 and Terrell Owens’ $35,000 fine in 2006, indicate that spitting incidents often result in punitive actions. NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has previously condemned such behavior, calling it “the worst thing you can do” due to its disrespectful nature.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the incident, stating that any internal discipline would be handled privately. He stressed the importance of maintaining competitive intensity while adhering to the rules of the game. Teammates, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, expressed support for Carter and highlighted the need for improved discipline and focus as the team moves forward.
Looking ahead, Carter could face a suspension that would impact the Eagles’ defense in their upcoming Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between aggression and unsportsmanlike conduct in professional sports, potentially prompting broader discussions on player behavior and league enforcement.