On September 4, 2025, before the first offensive snap of the NFL season opener in Philadelphia, Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott; the Eagles went on to win 24-20.
Key Takeaways
- Jalen Carter was ejected before playing a snap after spitting on Dak Prescott on Sept. 4, 2025.
- The incident occurred immediately before the first play of the Eagles-Cowboys season opener in Philadelphia.
- Dak Prescott said he had spat on the field earlier and denied intentionally aiming at Carter.
- Carter apologized afterward, calling the act a mistake and promising it would not recur.
- The ejection altered Philadelphia’s early game plan but the Eagles still won 24-20.
- League discipline (fines or further suspension) and precise intent remain unconfirmed at this time.
Verified Facts
At Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 4, 2025, tension flared on the kickoff return when an injured Eagles player was attended to and a verbal exchange unfolded between Carter (No. 98) and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (No. 4). Video and official reports show Carter walked across the line of scrimmage and spit on Prescott’s chest in full view of an on-field official; the referee then enforced an immediate ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Prescott, speaking after the 24-20 game outcome, said he had spat on the field many times during games and that he did not intend to target Carter. He described the moment as a reaction to being provoked and said he was surprised when Carter spit on him.
Carter told The Philadelphia Inquirer he regretted the action, calling it a mistake and apologizing to teammates and fans. He promised it “won’t happen again,” and acknowledged frustration at not being allowed to play any defensive snaps in the opener.
The ejection forced the Eagles to adjust their immediate protection and blocking plans against Dallas’ offensive line. Head coaches and officiating reports confirmed the ruling on the field; the NFL has standard fines and disciplinary procedures for spitting and unsportsmanlike conduct, which may be applied after review.
Context & Impact
Spitting incidents are treated seriously in the NFL because they are considered personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct. An ejection before the first snap is rare and drew immediate national attention, since it removed a projected starter from live action and altered both teams’ early-game strategies.
Beyond the on-field schematic changes, the episode raises reputational and disciplinary questions for Carter, who will likely face league review, possible fines, and media scrutiny. For Prescott, the episode prompted acknowledgement of a habit he said he wanted to avoid drawing attention for.
- Short-term: Eagles lost a defensive starter for the opener but still secured a 24-20 victory.
- Medium-term: Potential NFL discipline could affect Carter’s availability and team planning.
- Long-term: The incident could spur team reminders and league messaging on conduct standards.
Official Statements
“It’s a mistake that happened on my side… Won’t happen again,” Carter said, expressing regret for the action and its consequences.
The Philadelphia Inquirer (paraphrased)
“I probably spit a thousand times throughout the game… I wasn’t going to spit on my lineman and I just spit ahead… I didn’t realize he was getting ejected. Unfortunate that he did,” Prescott said on his postgame comments.
Postgame remarks, Dak Prescott
Unconfirmed
- Whether the NFL will issue fines or additional suspensions beyond the in-game ejection.
- Any private discussions between the teams that might lead to internal discipline or reconciliation.
- Whether Prescott’s on-field spitting was directed toward any specific player prior to the exchange.
Bottom Line
The early-season ejection of Jalen Carter for spitting on Dak Prescott turned an opening-game verbal scuffle into a disciplinary incident that affected the game plan and drew league and media attention. While Carter has apologized and Prescott has downplayed intentional targeting, the NFL may still review the matter — and both teams will likely reinforce conduct expectations going forward.