Unseen footage exposes Dak Prescott spit before Jalen Carter shock ejection shakes NFL in Cowboys vs Eagles clash

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Philadelphia Eagles defensive star Jalen Carter were at the center of a stunning drama during the NFL season opener on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.

Carter was thrown out of the game within the first six seconds after spitting at Prescott, leaving fans and players stunned. But new slow-motion footage from the sideline has now shown that Prescott himself spit first on the ground near the Eagles’ huddle, sparking Carter’s angry reaction.

Dak Prescott’s action before Jalen Carter’s ejection

The chaos began right at the start of the game between the Cowboys and Eagles at AT&T Stadium. On the opening kickoff, Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren went down with a knee injury and was being checked by trainers on the turf.

As this happened, Dak Prescott walked near the Eagles defensive huddle and spit on the ground. Eagles players noticed the move while their teammate was still on the ground in pain.

According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Jalen Carter saw Dak Prescott’s action as “hostile” and disrespectful. When Dak Prescott tried to explain that he did not mean it that way, Carter lost his cool. Just before the first snap, Carter spit directly at Dak Prescott’s face.

The referee saw it happen instantly and ejected Carter without hesitation.Fans inside the stadium and millions watching at home were left in shock. The NFL season opener had not even started properly when one of the league’s biggest defensive stars was already sent off.Also Read: Eagles Vs Cowboys Highlights: Who Won The Game Last Night?

Jalen Carter’s reaction after Dak Prescott spit and strong responses from NFL world

After the ejection, Jalen Carter walked off the field alongside Eagles staff, including security chief Big Dom DiSandro. According to Good Morning Football host Kyle Brandt, Jeln Carter looked “emotionless” as he left through the tunnel, saying nothing.The reaction from the sports world was immediate. Stephen A. Smith, posting on X, wrote: “WTH did I just see? Jalen Carter, the best player on the Eagles defense, just got thrown out of the game before a snap for spitting on Dak. Suspend that man. Inexcusable! Stupid! Selfish!” Eagles legend Jason Kelce also reacted with just one line: “What in the f*** just happened.”

Jalen Carter, who is in his third NFL season, had a breakout year in 2024 and helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. But his career has also seen controversy. Following drag racing close to the University of Georgia, he crashed in 2023, which tragically claimed staffer Chandler LeCroy and teammate Devin Willock's lives.

Later, Jalen Carter was found guilty of reckless driving and put on probation. The Eagles chose him notwithstanding his background. No. 9 overall in 2023, he quickly developed into among the most feared defensive tackles in the league. Jalen Carter is now under renewed attention as the NFL examines what transpired between him and Dak Prescott in those opening frenetic seconds of the season after the amazing event in Texas.