The Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott, spoke out after the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Cowboys 24-20 in the 2025 season opener on Friday to clarify the events that led to Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter’s ejection.
The altercation began following an apparent injury to Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren on the opening kickoff. As play resumed, Prescott, standing near his offensive linemen, spat toward the ground as part of his pre-snap routine. Explaining his perspective, Prescott said:
“I guess you could say, trying to mess with Tyler Booker. I was just looking at him, I was right here by the two linemen. And yes, I needed to spit, and I wasn't gonna spit on my lineman, I just spit ahead,” Prescott said. “But I'd say he was back there where Jory was in that sense, and he asked. Or he goes, you trying to spit on me? At that point, I mean, I felt like he was insulting me. Like, I wouldn't spit on somebody. I'm damn sure not trying to spit on you. Like, we're about to play a game. I'm wondering why you're trying to mess with the rookie. So when I stepped through, I actually said the words, what the hell would I, excuse me, but I'm probably even more colorful, what would I need to spit on you for? And he just spit on me in that moment. And it was more of a surprise than anything.”
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
Prescott said the officials clearly saw the penalty, giving the Cowboys 15 yards, and admitted he didn’t expect Carter to be ejected. He called it unfortunate, noting Carter is a talented player whose absence affected the Eagles’ defense, but also added that he never intended to target him.
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Footage from NBC’s broadcast confirmed Prescott was aiming his spit at the ground, while Carter perceived it as directed at him and retaliated, leading the referee to eject him for a disqualifiable foul.
Carter’s ejection came six seconds into the contest, becoming the fastest ejection in an NFL game since September 12, 2005. The No. 9 overall pick from Georgia in 2023, Carter had 42 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 53 pressures in 2024, ranking fourth among defensive tackles, and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. His absence was immediately felt, as Dallas quickly orchestrated a six-play, 53-yard drive ending in a 1-yard touchdown run by Javonte Williams.
Carter’s ejection drew a lot of criticism. Analysts, including Rodney Harrison and Tony Dung,y labeled his behavior as unprofessional and damaging to his team’s performance. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio noted that Carter could face a suspension depending on his conduct postgame, though a fine is certain given the immediate ejection.
Looking ahead, both teams are preparing for Week 2, with the Cowboys hosting the New York Giants and the Eagles facing a Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs.