Football fever has hit Philadelphia classrooms, with students showing strong enthusiasm for their favorite NFL teams. Teachers are running events to energize students ahead of big games.
Philly School Kids Caught Hitting Cowboys Players Dak Prescott & CeeDee Lamb in Viral Clip ahead of Week 12 Matchup (Image via X/AlexHolleyFOX29)
Philly School Kids Caught Hitting Cowboys Players Dak Prescott & CeeDee Lamb in Viral Clip ahead of Week 12 Matchup (Image via X/AlexHolleyFOX29)
Some schools include hands-on activities that mirror professional rivalries. The excitement has drawn online attention and sparked debate over how sports should be celebrated. A recent school event has drawn scrutiny, hinting at broader questions about local football culture.
Students hit Cowboys players Dak Prescott & CeeDee Lamb images ahead of Week 12 game
In Camden, New Jersey, elementary students wore boxing gloves to hit punching bags with Dallas Cowboys players’ faces. The event was part of a school “pep rally” before the Week 12 game.
Students focused on images of quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and other players such as KaVontae Turpin. Some shouted that they wanted to “beat up” the players depicted.
The activity aired onPhiladelphia’s FOX29 and quickly went viral on social media. Many viewers were surprised to see children encouraged to act out aggression toward professional athletes.
NOBODY:
PHILLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS DURING DALLAS WEEK: pic.twitter.com/4apHkb39gq
— Alex Holley (@AlexHolleyFOX29) November 21, 2025
Some punching bags were knocked off their stands and stomped on. Teachers said the exercise was meant to be playful and build excitement for the upcoming Eagles-Cowboys matchup.
No children or professional players were harmed. School organizers emphasized that this was an isolated event designed to energize students, giving them a fun way to engage with the rivalry.
Social media reactions were mixed. One user wrote, “This isn’t healthy but whatever.”
This isn’t healthy but whatever
— ᒍayιιx (@RareN0ise) November 21, 2025
Another said, “The irony here is that the school system is literally encouraging them to throw punches in the hallways of their schools at Cowboys players faces but would suspend them for doing that to another student. Who signed off on this?”
The irony here is that the school system is literally encouraging them to throw punches in the hallways of their schools at Cowboys players faces but would suspend them for doing that to another student.
Who signed off on this?
— Matt Owen (@ProfessorO_NFL) November 21, 2025
The event shows how deeply the Eagles-Cowboys rivalry runs in Philadelphia. Fans take the matchup seriously, and the competitive spirit often begins at a young age in local culture.
Organizers also included lessons on teamwork and school spirit, encouraging children to cheer responsibly and respect the sport. This added structure helped balance the intensity of the punching bag exercise.
The activity raises questions about how schools and parents should channel enthusiasm for sports. Even in a controlled, playful setting, simulated aggression can send mixed messages.
As the NFL matchup approaches, the event is a reminder of how professional rivalries influence fan behavior. The balance between excitement and sportsmanship remains a challenge for educators and the broader community.