PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The NFL has fined Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter $57,222 for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during last week’s season opener at Lincoln Financial Field, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The incident occurred just six seconds into the game. Carter was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct after officials observed him spitting on Prescott’s uniform, which also resulted in a 15-yard penalty.
“It was a mistake that happened on my side. It won’t happen again,” Carter said after the game. “I feel bad for just my teammates and fans out there. I’m doing it for them. I’m doing it for my family, also. But the fans, they showed the most love.”
Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN that Carter will not appeal the fine and is focused on preparing for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, in which he’s expected to play.
The NFL confirmed that Carter’s ejection will serve as a one-game suspension, and no further disciplinary action will be taken.
Carter makes $57,222 per week, which is how the NFL arrived at the fine it did, according to Schefter.
Carter approached Prescott after the quarterback had stepped up in the huddle, stood between two of his linemen and spit on the ground in the direction of Carter, who was several yards away.
The two players exchanged words before Carter spit on Prescott’s jersey and then backed away. Prescott quickly motioned to a nearby official, who threw the flag.
It was an easy call after the league made it clear that enforcing sportsmanship would be a point of emphasis this season.
Prescott said he simply spit straight ahead, explaining he does so often during games. His saliva landed near Carter, which raised his ire.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) walks off the field after being disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
Prescott said Carter asked: “You trying to spit on me?”
“I wouldn’t spit on somebody. I’m definitely not trying to spit on you. We’re about to play a game,” Prescott said.
Carter has previously demonstrated a pattern of poor discipline.
He was penalized three times for unnecessary roughness last season and was also benched to start a game in a disciplinary move by Sirianni. One of Carter’s penalties in a game against Pittsburgh last December led to Sirianni having a heated conversation with defensive line coach Clint Hurtt, who stood in front of the player on the sideline when the coach approached him.
Carter also was fined $17,445 for an open-handed blow to the head of Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz in the NFC championship game.
The Eagles were only in position to draft Carter in 2023 with the ninth overall pick because several teams passed him up due to his role in a fatal car crash in college that killed a teammate, offensive lineman Devin Willock, and a Georgia recruiting staffer, Chandler LeCroy.
ESPN and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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