The NFL has not ever had a season opener quite like the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys with Jalen Carter getting ejected before an offensive snap occurred for either team. Additionally, the Cowboys-Eagles game had a lengthy weather delay in the third quarter.
Yet, the discussion continues to center around Carter’s decision to spit on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Further details are emerging on Carter’s appalling act towards Prescott. Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris reported that Carter believed Prescott spit towards the Eagles huddle.
“Some more context on the Jalen Carter spitgate: 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 detailed in a Sepember 4, 2025, message on X. “Carter thought it was hostile. While Prescott was explaining it wasn’t, Carter spit back.”
The video below appears to back up Harris’ report.
Here’s what you need to know about the controversial incident between Carter and Prescott.
Eagles Star Jalen Carter Faces Backlash After Spitting on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
The incident prompted outrage by fans and media members alike on social media. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is among those who took to X to express his frustration with Carter.
“WTH did I just see? Jalen Carter — the Best Players on the @Eagles defense — just got thrown out the game before a freakin snap for SPITTING,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith noted on X. “SPITTING on @dak. To hell with just an ejection. Suspend that man. How in the HELL could you do something like that? Inexcusable! Stupid!”
A strong argument can be made that Prescott instigated the incident, but there is a sizable difference from what the Cowboys quarterback did to Carter escalating things by spitting on the star.
Lane Johnson on Cowboys vs. Eagles: ‘Two Totally Different Cultures’
It will be interesting to see if the NFL hands out further punishment to either player as more footage continues to emerge. While this surprising incident had yet to occur, Eagles star Lane Johnson spoke with Heavy Sports about the rivalry in the weeks leading up to the Week 1 clash.
“It’s just one of the best rivalries in sports,” Johnson remarked to Heavy Sports. “Two totally different cultures.
“But yeah, the thing they do share is that they’re both extremely passionate. I think that’s why you see the rivalry that you do is that you have so many people that care. Yeah man, as you play and the years add up, it becomes just another game.”
Dak Prescott on Cowboys vs. Eagles: ‘We’ve Just Got to Come Out & Throw the First Punch’
As for Carter’s ejection, it is not a great look for either the star defensive tackle or Prescott. Carter’s decision to escalate things became a huge benefit for the Cowboys, while putting more pressure on his Eagles teammates amid his absence.
Prior to the contest, Prescott emphasized his desire for the Cowboys to be the aggressor versus the Eagles, but not sure the quarterback had this incident in mind.
“They’re good, they’re sound, and they don’t do a lot, so you’ve got to be disciplined and fundamental,” Prescott said while discussing the Eagles, per Yahoo Sports.
“We’ve just got to come out and throw the first punch. [. . .] It’s about us coming out, being the aggressors, and understanding they’re confident in the few things they do.”
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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