The 2025 NFL season kicked off with an unexpected controversy between Jalen Carter and Dak Prescott. The Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle was ejected just seconds into the game against the Dallas Cowboys for spitting at Prescott. However, new video footage has fueled debate among fans, reportedly suggesting Prescott may have been the one to spit first.
What happened between Dak Prescott and Jalen Carter?
During the opening moments of the Philadelphia Eagles’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, a heated incident unfolded between Jalen Carter and Dak Prescott. Just one play into the game, Carter was ejected after spitting at Prescott, sparking immediate controversy. However, after a new video surfaced, fans are questioning: Did Dak Prescott spit first?
The new video suggests that Prescott may have started the confrontation. The clip shows him walking from the Cowboys’ huddle toward Carter while the Eagles attended to injured fullback Ben VanSumeren. As Prescott approached, he appeared to spit toward Carter from a distance. The latter was not struck by the spit, and it remained unclear whether the officials noticed Prescott’s initial action.
Moments later, Carter confronted Prescott directly and spat back, an act caught by the referees. Referee Shawn Smith labeled the act “a disqualifiable foul” and “a non-football act.” This resulted in a penalty and Carter’s immediate ejection from the game. Moreover, the NFL may pursue additional discipline for Carter. However, as of now, it is not yet clear whether Prescott will be subject to review. (via USA Today)
Later, Dak Prescott clarified his version of events, stating that he did not intentionally target Jalen Carter. He said, ”I probably spit about 1,000 times throughout the game, especially gameday, maybe general.” (via Sky Sports)
Prescott added, “In that case he was trolling, trying to mess with Tyler Booker, I was looking at him by the two linemen, I guess I needed to spit, I wasn’t going to spit on my lineman, I spit ahead. He was back there and he said ‘you trying to spit on me?’”
“At that point, I felt like he was insulting me. I wouldn’t spit on somebody, I’m damn sure not trying to spit on you, we’re about to play a game. I’m wondering why you’re trying to mess with the rookie. When I stepped through I said ‘What would I need to spit on you for?’ and he spit on me in that moment. It was more of a surprise than anything,” Prescott concluded.
