NFL Drops Double Punishment on Jalen Carter and Dak Prescott After Explosive Eagles–Cowboys Opener
The NFL has issued swift and decisive discipline following Thursday night’s fiery season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, announcing penalties for both Jalen Carter and Dak Prescott after a first-quarter altercation that rocked the rivalry.
According to the league, Carter has been fined $56,222 for spitting at Prescott, an act that drew an immediate ejection and left Philadelphia without its defensive centerpiece for nearly the entire contest. While the Eagles eventually held on for a narrow win, the loss of Carter added a dramatic twist to an already hostile clash.
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But Carter wasn’t the only one held accountable. After reviewing every available angle of the incident, officials concluded that Prescott also provoked the confrontation. Commissioner Roger Goodell explained the findings directly: “The footage clearly shows Dak looking straight at Carter and spitting in his direction. It may not have connected, but it was still a serious provocation that escalated the situation and led to Carter’s penalty. That moment could have changed the outcome of the game.”

As a result, Prescott has been fined $33,266, marking a rare case where both a quarterback and a defensive star received discipline for the same heated exchange. The move underscores the NFL’s message that accountability applies equally, regardless of position, paycheck, or profile.
Despite Carter’s absence, Philadelphia’s defense managed to hold strong enough for a 24-20 victory, though analysts argued Dallas missed a chance to seize control after the chaos. Instead, the storyline shifted from the field to the fallout, pouring more fuel onto one of football’s most bitter rivalries.
The league also made clear this won’t be tolerated again. Officials warned that future incidents of this nature could lead not only to fines but also suspensions. For both Carter and Prescott, the spotlight now burns brighter than ever — and the message is unmistakable: the NFL expects better, and the consequences will only get harsher.











