Footage emerges that sheds light on the Jalen Carter-Dak Prescott spat

Jalen Carter was ejected before even playing a snap in the 2025 NFL season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Super Bowl–winning defensive lineman spat at Dak Prescott and was thrown out of the game for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Now, the narrative has shifted after it emerged that Carter’s outburst may have been a reaction to an earlier provocation from Prescott that was not shown at the time of the officials’ ruling at Lincoln Financial Field.

In the opening minutes, NBC’s broadcast only showed Carter spitting at Prescott. But after a near hour-long delay caused by a lightning storm, the network’s production team reviewed all available footage and uncovered a sequence in which the Dallas quarterback spat in Carter’s direction. The video shows the Eagles defender’s act came in response to Prescott’s.

Carter’s absence was immediately felt, as the Cowboys took advantage by pounding the ball on short-yardage plays with Javonte Williams. The Dallas running back scored two first-half touchdowns.

Officials explain Carter’s ejection

During the weather delay, referees spoke to the media. In an interview with Zach Berman, referee Shawn Smith said the decision to eject was straightforward, as spitting on an opponent is considered conduct unrelated to football. Philadelphia were also penalized 15 yards.

“One of the officials observed him spit on an opponent,” Smith said. “That is an ejection-level foul. It’s an act not related to football.”

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