Jul 24, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) reacts during training camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Neither the Philadelphia Eagles nor the Dallas Cowboys will have their best defensive players on the field in Week 1. In Dallas' case, it's because Jerry Jones alienated Micah Parsons to the point where a trade was the only recourse. In Philadelphia's case, it's because Jalen Carter made a stupid, stupid decision.

That's because, six seconds into the 2025 season and before Carter -- primed for a potential defensive player of the year run after a breakthrough 2024 -- could even play a snap, he calmly walked toward the Cowboys' huddle, chatted up Dak Prescott, then spit on his chest.

Directly in front of the referee.

Yep, that'll do it. Carter's spit, clear enough to be picked up on camera, cost the Eagles 15 yards and took a chaos engine in the middle of the defense off the field for 100 percent of his potential snaps. With Philadelphia already forced to turn to a backup at tackle, the Cowboys drove 53 yards on only six plays to take an early 7-0 lead.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Jalen Carter ejected for stupidly spitting 6 seconds into 2025 NFL season

Reporting by Christian D'Andrea, For The Win / For The Win

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