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Retired former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce reacted to the incident in which Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the NFL Kickoff Game on Thursday (September 4).
Kelce, who was teammates with Carter during his final NFL season in 2023, said the All-Pro defensive tackle "has to be smarter" in regards to the incident during the latest episode of his New Heights podcast alongside his brother and co-host, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, released on Wednesday (September 10).
“By far the craziest start to a season ever,” said Kelce, who spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Eagles. “What are we doing? I don’t understand why that would happen. It was just a very frustrating moment … It’s just a really awful thing to be a part of as a fan base, as an organization and for that player. He’s a great player. He’s had all of these character things or whatever surround him, and then to do this, all of that gets brought up.
“He has to be smarter than this. He has a chance to be one of the best defensive linemen in this era of football. That’s how dominant he has been to this point. Don’t let this dumb behavior jeopardize the career, the person and the legacy that you can build — especially in this city.”
Carter was ejected from the game was suspended one game for the incident, which took place between the kickoff and the Cowboys' first offensive possession due to an injury delay, on Tuesday (September 9).
"It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won't happen again," Carter said after the game via ESPN. "I feel bad for my teammates and the fans out there. I'm doing it for them. ... Not being able to start the game even, finish the game, it f---ed me up but we're going to get it better. It won't happen again. I can make that promise."
Video released after the ejection showed Prescott spit in the direction of Carter and the Eagles defense prior to the defensive tackle retaliating. Prescott referred to the incident was a misunderstanding that escalated, claiming he frequently spits during games and did so ahead to avoid his linemen while watching Carter "mess with" Cowboys rookie guard Tyler Booker.
The quarterback said he heard Carter ask, "Are you trying to spit on me?" and was offended by the notion.
"I wouldn't spit on somebody," Prescott said via ESPN. "I stepped through [and] I actually said words like, 'The hell -- excuse me, but probably even more colorful -- what would I need to spit on you for?' And he just spit on me in that moment. It was more of a surprise than anything."
Play stopped after Eagles fullback and special teams player Ben VanSumeren suffered an injury that resulted in him being carted off the field. The Eagles defeated the NFC East Division rival Cowboys, 24-20, with Prescott throwing for 188 yards on 21 of 34 passing.
Carter is one of Philadelphia's best defensive players having been selected as a Second-team All-Pro during the 2024 season, which resulted in the Eagles winning Super Bowl LIV in February. The former University of Georgia standout fell to No. 9 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft due to legal issues stemming from his involvement in the fatal accident that resulted in the deaths of former Georgia teammate Devin Willock and team staff member Chandler LeCroy hours after the Bulldogs' national championship parade on January 15, 2023.
Carter recorded 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 16 QB hits during the 2024 NFL season.