After being ejected from the game for spitting on Dak Prescott, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter apologized for the incident.
What Happened to Jalen Carter During Cowboys vs. Eagles?
Jalen Carter was ejected from the Eagles’ season opener after appearing to spit at Dak Prescott.
(🎥 NBC) pic.twitter.com/HbETVk1ALd
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 5, 2025
Carter’s night ended before taking a single snap.
After the opening kickoff of Thursday night’s game between the Cowboys and Eagles, the players made their way onto the field during an injury timeout.
The Cowboys were huddled on offense, while Carter was walking to his side of the ball on defense.
Prescott is seen spitting on the ground outside of the huddle and smiling at the Eagles’ defender. Carter thought the spit was directed at him and walked right up to Prescott and went nose to nose.
The referee saw Carter’s spit and threw a flag. Carter drew a 15-year unsportsmanlike penalty and was ejected from the contest.
The Eagles won the game 24-20. However, Carter’s presence was severely missed by the Eagles, who failed to sack Prescott.
After the game, Carter spoke to reporters and apologized for the incident.
“You know it was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” Carter said via NFL.com. “I feel bad for just my teammates and the fans out there. You know, I’m doing it for them. I’m doing it for my family also, but the fans, they show the most love. You heard them out there, and not being able to start the game to finish the game just f—- me up, but it won’t happen again.”
Prescott later explained his side of the story, saying he spat ahead of his linemen with no intention of hitting Carter. Prescott thought Carter was trying to mess with rookie guard Tyler Booker.
“He asked, or goes, ‘Are you trying to spit on me?’ At that point, I felt like he was insulting me. I wouldn’t spit on somebody, and I’m damn sure not trying to spit on you,” Prescott said via Mike Garafolo. “We’re trying to play a game, and I’m wondering why you’re trying to mess with the rookie [Booker]. I step through and say the words, ‘What the hell would I,’ excuse me, probably even more colorful, ‘What would I need to spit on you for?’ He just spit on me in that moment, and it was more of a surprise than anything.”
Prescott said it was unfortunate and called Carter a “hell of a player. ”
Soooo Dak spit at Jalen Carter first
What BS! He triggered him, what about that taunting rule #NFL?? #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/vz0Ci1FiJj
— Chris_Fischer (@ChrisFischer_) September 5, 2025
Jalen Carter Could Face More Discipline
Dak Prescott on Spitgate. Says Jalen Carter was messing with Tyler Booker. “I guess I needed to spit. I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen. I just spit ahead.” Says he felt insulted Carter suggested he tried to spit on him. pic.twitter.com/zJcWmX4ob0
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 5, 2025
Since Carter was ejected, the NFL will now review the incident for potentially additional discipline, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Friday.
Players have received fines in the past for spitting. It typically does not lead to a suspension.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said any team punishment would remain in-house.
The Eagles travel to Arrowhead to play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.
