Jalen Carter hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the Philadelphia Eagles’ first regular-season game. The Eagles were up against the Dallas Cowboys, and things fell apart after Carter did something unexpected.
The defensive tackle was ejected from the game even before he had hardly played. Carter spat on the Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott and was penalized for his behavior. It was certainly unsportsmanlike, and officials were forced to push him out of the game.
Photo courtesy: Instagram
While several fans lashed out at Jalen Carter for his miserable act, Stephen A. Smith was one among many who called him out.
“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….SPITTIN on @dak. To hell with just an ejection. Suspend that man. How the HELL could you do something like that? inexcusable! Stupid!” Stephen A. Smith said.
Smith was not the only person to call out Carter. Several other NFL analysts voiced their frustration and disgust over the Eagles’ star. Smith requested a harsh punishment instead of just getting ejected.
Jalen Carter Apologizes For Spitting On Dak Prescott
Jalen Carter was later ashamed of his actions and issued an apology to QB Dak Prescott. He stated that it was a mistake and it would not happen again.
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Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) walks off the field after being ejected during the first quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
“It was a mistake that happened on my side. It won’t happen again. I feel bad for just my teammates and the fans out there. I’m doing it for them. …,” he said, as per the news outlet. He added, “Just not being able to start the game, even, finish the game, it f***ed me up. But we’re gonna get better. It won’t happen again. I can make that promise,”Jalen Carter said.
While he did apologize to the fans, Carter seemed to be a little frustrated himself. To make things worse, some of the Philadelphia Eagles fans were unhappy with his actions.
Referee Shawn Smith explained the situation as a “non-football act.”
“One of the officials observed him spitting on an opponent. It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game. It’s a non-football act,” Smith said.
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East Rutherford, NJ — August 22, 2025 — Jalen Carter of the Eagles on the sidelines in the first half. The Philadelphia Eagles came to MetLife Stadium to play the NY Jets in the final preseason season game.
Jalen Carter overshadowed the Eagles’ 24-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in their next game.
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