The 2025 NFL season got off to an explosive start almost immediately. On the first kick return of the game, the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles got into it. As a result, just six seconds into the game, the referees decided to eject arguably the best defender on the entire Eagles roster, Jalen Carter.
By night’s end, it was just one more situation in an evening full of crazy scenarios, including an extremely rare delay of the game during the regular season. The Eagles, despite Carter’s absence, were able to hold their own and win 24-20 against a divisional rival in Dallas. But, as the night wore on, new details emerged about his ejection that made it a controversial topic going into the locker room.
What Happened Between Dak Prescott and Jalen Carter?
When Carter was ejected before a single snap had taken place, there was a collective shock from fans and announcers alike. However, in replays, it became clear that last year’s second-team All-Pro selection spat on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
A disgusting violation of unsportsmanlike conduct, it immediately led to his ejection, with further punishment still on the cards. During the broadcast of the game, which was delayed by an hour due to lightning in the area, fans got to see an interesting angle.
In the view, it seemed like Prescott was the aggressor in the situation, as he first spat at the defensive ace, leading to a rebuttal from Carter. His act, though, was away from the referee’s eyes, leading to no action against the former Offensive Rookie of the Year.
After the game, both players were asked about the conflict. Prescott was in front of the media detailing his version of the events. As Carter was trying to mess with Tyler Booker, Prescott recalls, “I was just looking at him. I was guarded by the two linemen.”
From there, it was an unfortunate series of happenstance events that led to what many are calling “Spitgate.” “I guess I just needed to spit. I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen. I just spit ahead.” Carter took that as an insult and tried to confront Prescott about it.
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
However, the quarterback of the Cowboys took it as an insult. He said, “I wouldn’t spit on anybody. I damn sure wouldn’t spit on you when we’re trying to play a game.” That’s when Carter spat at him, leading to his ejection.
Even after the ordeal, though, Prescott retained a cordial state, saying, “I don’t wish for anybody to get (thrown) out of the game. … I know how excited each and every one of us are to kick off the season in the season opener, and a hell of a player like that doesn’t even get a chance on the first play. Unfortunate circumstance.”
Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network got comments from both sides of the aisle. Carter, on the other hand, offered no explanation. Instead, he owned up to his mistake. “I feel bad for my teammates and the fans out there. I’m doing it for them.” He then vowed to make sure it would never happen again.
The biggest question now is the ramifications this move has over the rest of the season for Carter. A suspension isn’t completely out of the realm of possibility. Prescott made it clear that it wasn’t his call to make.
Carter didn’t offer any comments related to a suspension. However, his mindset was clear in either case, as he revealed that he was helping his defensive linemen by communicating everything he was seeing in the locker room.
