Jason Kelce Criticizes Jalen Carter After Spitting Incident, Calls It 'Dumb Behavior'

Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce sharply criticized defensive tackle Jalen Carter on Wednesday, calling the 24-year-old's conduct in the season-opening incident that led to his ejection and a one-game suspension "dumb behavior" and urging him to protect his career and legacy.

Carter was thrown out of the Eagles' 2025 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys after cameras captured him spitting at Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott early in the game. The NFL announced Carter would be suspended one game without pay, a penalty the league said was served during the opener because Carter did not participate in a single play before his ejection. The NFL also said the NFL Players Association informed the league that Carter would not contest the discipline and had waived his right to appeal; Carter will forfeit an estimated $57,222 in game pay.

Speaking on the New Heights podcast, Kelce called the episode "by far the craziest start to a season ever" and said Carter "has to be smarter" given his talent and the platform he occupies. "Don't let this dumb behavior jeopardize the career, the person and the legacy that you can build — especially in this city," Kelce said, adding that Carter has a chance to be one of the best defensive linemen of his era if he avoids such lapses.

Kelce's brother and podcast co-host, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, added that players must keep their composure for the sake of their teams. "You just gotta be able to keep your composure and understand that his team needs you," Travis Kelce said.

The incident unfolded shortly after Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren left the field with a knee injury and was waiting for a cart. According to broadcast footage, Prescott spat at the ground as he and Carter confronted one another, and cameras then captured Carter appearing to spit in Prescott's direction. Prescott later told reporters he asked Carter whether Carter was trying to spit on him and described the exchange as insulting.

Carter addressed the incident after the game, calling it a mistake and saying, "it won't happen again." He also expressed regret for letting down teammates and fans. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said the team would handle any internal discipline "in-house" and did not announce further punishment beyond the NFL's action.

League officials treated the suspension as served on the night of the ejection. The NFL's classification means Carter is eligible to play in Philadelphia's Week 2 game, a rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, the teams' first meeting since the Eagles' Super Bowl victory over the Chiefs on Feb. 9.

Carter, a high-profile draft choice with significant on-field production, has previously faced scrutiny over character concerns. Jason Kelce said that while everyone makes mistakes, players in Carter's position must show better judgment given the stakes for their careers, organizations and local fan bases.

The episode has drawn commentary across the league as teams prepare for the regular season after the opener. Officials, teammates and league representatives have reiterated expectations about player conduct, and the NFL's decision not to pursue an appeal leaves the disciplinary matter largely concluded at the league level, with any additional consequences to be determined internally by the Eagles.