NFL start with excitement: Disqualification after spitting attack

The NFL season began with a blatant unsportsmanlike conduct and an ejection before the first pass.

September 05, 2025

From: dpa

Six seconds into the game between the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, Jalen Carter spat at Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott from close range. Carter, one of the Eagles' most important defenders, was ejected. At that point in the game, which Philadelphia ultimately won 24-20, only the kickoff had been played. The Cowboys were waiting for their first offensive tackle due to an injured Eagles player.

Carter is in his third season in the NFL. He has a reputation for at least pushing the boundaries of what's allowed. Just a few days ago, Eagles defensive line coach Vic Fangio said of Carter: "I don't know if nasty is the right word. I think he just has to play with the right attitude to reach his potential, or get close to it."

Fans have to wait for hours

The Cowboys took the lead immediately after the opening scene, and both teams traded touchdowns until the score was tied at 14-14. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scored two touchdowns on his own runs, demonstrating his tremendous value to the Eagles once again seven months after being named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. "It means everything when you start the season strong. We still have a few things to improve, but starting with a win is always good," Hurts told US television.

Jalen Hurts won with the Eagles. © APA / EMILEE CHINN

The Eagles led 21-20 at halftime, and the field goal, which made it 24-20, was already the final score. A thunderstorm warning in the third quarter caused the game to be suspended for more than an hour, and fans had to seek shelter in covered areas of the stadium at the Eagles' request. When the game resumed, the Cowboys had several opportunities to put the hosts under pressure again. However, CeeDee Lamb was unable to connect with any of his quarterback Prescott's long passes.

Keywords American football NFL