Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected six seconds into the Sept. 4, 2025 season opener in Philadelphia after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during a pregame celebration, drawing a 15-yard penalty and contributing to the Cowboys’ opening-drive touchdown.
Key Takeaways
- Jalen Carter was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct moments before the first snap of the Sept. 4 season opener.
- The play resulted in a 15-yard penalty and the Cowboys scored on the opening drive (Javonte Williams, 1-yard TD).
- Referee Shawn Smith said an official observed Carter spit on an opponent, a disqualifying non-football act.
- Carter, the No. 9 overall pick in 2023, is a 24-year-old key starter who helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl last season.
- Off-field history: Carter pleaded no contest in a 2023 crash case, receiving probation and a $1,000 fine.
Verified Facts
The incident occurred during a pregame Super Bowl championship celebration on Thursday night in Philadelphia. After the opening kickoff, Carter and Prescott exchanged words; Carter then spat on Prescott’s jersey. An official nearby threw the flag and ejected Carter for a non-football act.
Officials assessed a 15-yard penalty before the first snap; the Cowboys capitalized, finishing the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by Javonte Williams. The ejection came six seconds into the broadcast clock for the game.
Jalen Carter, 24, was the Eagles’ first-round pick (No. 9 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Georgia. He emerged as a high-impact defensive lineman and was a contributor to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run the previous season.
In college Carter was involved in a 2023 car crash that killed teammate Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless driving and racing, receiving one year of probation and a $1,000 fine — facts that were part of his draft profile and remain public record.
Context & Impact
The immediate in-game consequence shifted field position and momentum before any defensive play was run, a rare and costly way to begin a season opener. The Eagles lost a starting interior lineman for the remainder of the game, forcing substitutions that could alter rotation and effectiveness early in the season.
Beyond the single game, the episode raises questions about team discipline and Carter’s on-field decision-making at a pivotal moment. The Eagles’ coaching staff and front office have previously spoken about his potential and need for focus; an ejection in a high-profile opener draws scrutiny from the league and fans.
League discipline beyond the in-game ejection — such as fines or suspension — is possible under NFL policies governing unsportsmanlike and non-football acts. Any additional punishment would come after league review and notification to the club and player.
“One of the officials observed him spitting on an opponent. It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game. It’s a non-football act.”
Referee Shawn Smith
Unconfirmed
- Whether the NFL will impose further discipline (fine or suspension) beyond the ejection and in-game penalty.
- Any internal team sanctions the Eagles might apply to Carter following a review.
- Specific motivations or intent behind Carter’s action beyond an on-field exchange with Prescott.
Bottom Line
The ejection of Jalen Carter turned a ceremonial opener into an early advantage for the Cowboys and reopened public attention on the defender’s past off-field issues. The NFL may still review the play for additional discipline; the incident also puts pressure on the Eagles to reinforce conduct standards as they defend their Super Bowl title.