Oh boy, nothing says “Welcome back, NFL!” like drama “before” the first down is even snapped. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter — yes, “that” Jalen Carter — was ejected just “one play” into the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. The reason? He spit at Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Not metaphorically. “Literally.”
But hang on — was it just Carter losing his cool in the heat of the moment, or are we talking retaliation? Because here’s where things get a little spicy.
NBC’s broadcast caught a moment that wasn’t part of the original highlight reel, and it’s flipping the narrative. While Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren was down being treated for a knee injury following the opening kickoff — a situation that normally calms tempers — Dak Prescott left the Cowboys’ huddle and made his way toward Carter. And according to the tape? It “looks” like Prescott spit first.
Now to be clear, this wasn’t an obvious loogie to the face or anything. The video seems to show Prescott directing a quick spit in Carter’s direction, not hitting him, and the refs apparently didn’t catch it. But Carter sure “did.”
Seconds later, he walks up to Prescott, clearly says, “Oh, we doing that?” (okay, maybe not verbatim), and lets one fly — a thick, unmistakable response that got the attention of the officials “instantly.”
Flag. 15 yards. “Gone.”
Referee Shawn Smith confirmed after the game during a lightning delay (yes, “of course” there was a lightning delay) that Carter was ejected for a “non-football act.”
And in today’s NFL — which has been leaning hard into respect, sportsmanship, and camera-friendly PR — that’s the kind of behavior that draws more than just flags. Think fines. Think suspensions. Think a week of sports media talk radio replays.
But here’s the kicker: if the NFL reviews that tape and sees Prescott’s alleged spitting act first? We could be looking at twin fines, or at least some very awkward questions for the Cowboys’ QB1. Because if this was a back-and-forth? That’s not just a Carter problem — it’s a league issue.
So, one play in, and already we’ve got ejections, unsportsmanlike conduct, potential disciplinary reviews, and an injury on the opening kickoff. Football, baby. Never change.
