The Philadelphia Eagles-Dallas Cowboys 2025 NFL season kickoff started with this shocking ejection

The Philadelphia Eagles had just stormed out of the tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field to thunderous applause from their home crowd as the reigning, defending Super Bowl champions. 

But while they were soaking in the revelry of it all, their kickoff to the 2025 NFL season against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night took a stunning turn.

Before the first snap of the game, the Eagles' Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter was whistled and ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct after spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

The nasty incident advanced the Cowboys 15 yards on the field and six plays later, including a 32-yard strike from Prescott to CeeDee Lamb, and the Cowboys found their way into the end zone for an early 7-0 lead.

Carter, arguably the best defensive player the Eagles have, could not believe the ejection as he walked off the field. Carter produced 25 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles on the Eagles' D-line last year.

Though Carter's selfish act left a glaring hole on the Eagles' defensive line, the unit still came up with enough stops late to help the Eagles hold on for a 24-20 season-opening win.

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