Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott both addressed the spitting incident on the first play of the NFL season Thursday (September 4) night.

Carter was ejected after spitting on Prescott as play stopped between the kickoff and the Cowboys' first offensive possession due to an injury delay during the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

"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.

Mel Taylor