Jalen Carter was ejected even before the first snap could be played in the 2025 NFL season opener. The Philadelphia Eagles hosted Jerry Jones’ team at Lincoln Financial Field as they kicked off their Super Bowl defense on Thursday.
Defensive tackle Carter was shown off the pitch for spitting on the Cowboys’ QB Dak Prescott. While the Eagles managed to secure a 24-20 win, head coach Nick Sirianni wasn’t letting it slide.
Nick Sirianni reacts to Jalen Carter incident
The Eagles started their title defense with a win as Jalen Hurts was on fire against the Cowboys. The quarterback completed 19 of 23 passes for 152 yards, but that wasn’t all. He recorded 14 carries for 62 yards and two touchdowns. It was a commendable job from the 27-year-old after losing one of the main men of his defensive line.
Philadelphia’s HC Sirianni addressed the matter following the preseason opener.
“I’m going to keep all our conversations, and all my disciplinary things in-house, but we’ve got to fix it as coaches,” Sirianni said. “Again, I will keep everything in-house and you won’t ever get that from me. Everything will always be handled in-house. Just like private conversations I have with players, none of that will ever get out to you, I’m sorry.”
Sirianni emphasized that the information about the actions would not be spilled. The HC wanted Jalen Carter out on the pitch, and he didn’t seem pleased by the DT’s action that sidelined him from the Week 1 clash.
“We need that guy on the field. He’s a really good player.” Sirianni said.
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
The Eagles will next face the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl 59 replay on September 14. They would hope that Carter doesn’t receive a suspension for his actions ahead of one of the most difficult fixtures of the season.
Jalen Carter opens up about getting ejected
Carter talked to the media following the win and admitted that he made a mistake. The 24-year-old issued a heartfelt apology to everybody.
“You know it was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” Carter said. “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.”
Role Model: Jalen Carter apologizes to his teammates and fans for spitting on Dak Prescott and getting ejected.
Carter took full accountability and made no excuses.
That’s precisely the attitude you want from a star player.pic.twitter.com/1qQzmTdQgA
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 5, 2025
The incident happened when Ban VanSumeren got injured and was getting some medical attention. Prescott and Jalen Carter went nose to nose before the defensive tackle was captured spitting on the Cowboys’ quarterback, resulting in his ejection.
