The 2025 NFL season got off to a jaw-dropping start, and not because of a spectacular play on the field.
Instead, it was a moment of pure chaos involving Philadelphia Eagles star defensive tackle Jalen Carter that left fans across the country stunned—before the first snap even happened.
What initially looked like a wild, unprovoked act has now been put into a clearer, if still shocking, context.
A Shocking Incident in Seconds
Just six seconds into the season opener, Carter was ejected from the game after spitting in the face of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
But a closer look at slo-mo footage reveals an important detail: Prescott may have inadvertently provoked the incident.
It appears that Prescott spat on the ground near the Eagles’ defensive huddle while Philadelphia fullback Ben VanSumeren was being examined for a knee injury suffered on the opening kickoff.
According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Carter saw the action as “hostile” toward his teammate and reacted before Prescott could explain it wasn’t intentional.
The Ejection and Fan Reactions
The referee didn’t hesitate. Carter’s spit toward Prescott was caught on camera, and the official immediately ejected him, announcing it to the stadium in a moment that left millions of viewers shocked.
Fans quickly took to social media. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith expressed the general disbelief, writing on X:
“WTH did I just see? Jalen Carter — the Best Player on the @Eagles defense — just got thrown out the game before a freakin’ snap for SPITTING….SPITTING on @dak.
To hell with just an ejection. Suspend that man.
How in the HELL could you do something like that? Inexcusable! Stupid! Selfish! #Damn!”
Eagles legend Jason Kelce was more succinct in his reaction:
“What in the f*** just happened.”
Meanwhile, Good Morning Football host Kyle Brandt shared his first-hand account of the scene:
“I was standing next to the tunnel as Jalen Carter left the field.
Big Dom was talking to him, Jalen was still saying nothing. Looked emotionless.”
Carter’s Rise on the Field
Carter, now in his third NFL season, had enjoyed a breakout 2024 campaign, playing a pivotal role in helping the Eagles lift the Lombardi Trophy with a Super Bowl win over the Chiefs in New Orleans.
Before turning pro, he made a name for himself as a standout defensive tackle for the Georgia Bulldogs, helping them capture two national championships.
A Controversial Past Off the Field
However, Carter’s off-field life has been far from smooth.
In January 2023, he was involved in a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of university staffer Chandler LeCroy and fellow football player Devin Willock.
The crash occurred after Carter engaged in drag racing with LeCroy following Georgia’s national title victory.
Carter pleaded guilty to reckless driving, and an investigation revealed LeCroy’s blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit.
He had also accumulated multiple prior traffic violations, including a citation for driving 89mph in a 45mph zone.
Two months after the crash, an arrest warrant was issued, and Carter eventually pled no contest to charges of reckless driving and street racing.
He received 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine, and completed 80 hours of community service.
Despite these controversies, the Eagles selected him ninth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
What Happens Next?
Carter’s ejection has already made headlines, and questions are now swirling about potential further discipline from the league.
Fans and analysts alike are left wondering how one of the NFL’s top defensive talents could let his emotions get the better of him before a single play of the 2025 season.