Jalen Carter Ejected in NFL Season Opener After Spitting Incident with Dak Prescott
Eagles' Jalen Carter was ejected early in the NFL season opener for spitting on Cowboys' Dak Prescott, leading to a 15-yard penalty and a Cowboys touchdown.

PHILADELPHIA -- The NFL season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys was marked by controversy as Eagles' defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected just six seconds into the game. The incident occurred after Carter was seen spitting on Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott during an injury delay.
Following the opening kickoff, Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren was injured, causing a delay. During this time, Carter and Prescott got into a heated face-to-face confrontation. As they began to separate, cameras captured Carter spitting on Prescott, prompting the Cowboys' quarterback to alert a nearby official. The official immediately threw a flag, ejecting Carter for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Fans booed as Carter slowly walked off the field, holding his helmet behind his back. The Eagles were hit with a 15-yard penalty, and the Cowboys capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a touchdown on their six-play opening drive, capped by a 1-yard rush by Javonte Williams.
Carter, 24, is regarded as one of the best defensive tackles in the league. Last season, he recorded 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, helping the Eagles secure the No. 1-ranked defense in the NFL. The Eagles selected Carter with the No. 9 pick in the 2023 draft, despite concerns over his involvement in a car crash that resulted in the death of a Georgia teammate and a recruiting staffer.
This incident has sparked discussions about sportsmanship and conduct in the NFL, with many fans and analysts weighing in on the implications for Carter and the Eagles moving forward.