Jason Kelce Urges Jalen Carter to 'Be Better' After Spitting Incident in Eagles' Season Opener

Jason Kelce on Wednesday publicly criticized Jalen Carter for spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the Philadelphia Eagles' season opener, calling the act "really awful" and urging the defensive lineman to "be better" as he prepares to return to the field.

Carter was ejected six seconds into the Eagles' 24-20 victory over the Cowboys after video showed him spitting in Prescott's direction. The NFL fined Carter $57,222; league sources said he will not appeal and is expected to be available for Philadelphia's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend.

Speaking on the New Heights podcast, Kelce, who played center for the Eagles from 2009-2022, said the episode was damaging to Carter, the organization and the fanbase. "It's just a really awful thing to be a part of as a fanbase, an organization and for that player," Kelce said. He added that Carter "has a chance to be one of the best defensive linemen in this era of football" and warned, "Don't let this dumb behavior jeopardize the career and person and legacy that you can build — especially in this city."

Kelce described his own confusion watching the sequence unfold from the broadcast box and urged Carter to move past the incident. "We have to have you better than that. And you need to be better than that for yourself," he said.

Footage shown during and after the game indicated Prescott spat on the ground near the Eagles' huddle before Carter's response. Prescott, who said after the game that he routinely spits on the field, told reporters he did not intend to target Carter and that he expected a 15-yard penalty rather than an ejection. "I've probably spit a thousand times during the game," Prescott said. "I guess I needed to spit so I spit ahead. He (Carter) said, 'Are you trying to spit on me?' At that point I felt he was insulting me, I wouldn't try and spit on anyone."

Carter, drafted No. 9 overall by Philadelphia in 2023, told teammates and the media that he felt Prescott's action was "hostile" while an Eagles player lay down with an injury. Video showed fullback Ben VanSumeren being attended to after suffering a knee injury on the opening kickoff, a moment Kelce referenced while describing the chaotic start.

Carter's ejection came before his first official snap of the season. His absence altered game plans early on, Prescott said, calling Carter "a hell of a player" whose loss changed how Dallas approached the matchup.

Carter has emerged as one of the league's top defensive linemen, earning a Pro Bowl selection last year and playing a key role in Philadelphia's postseason run. The incident adds an unwanted image to the early part of his season and prompted rebukes from across the football community.

The NFL's fine of $57,222 follows standard disciplinary procedures for unsportsmanlike conduct. Team officials have not announced any additional internal discipline. Carter's availability for the Chiefs game stands as of team reports on Thursday, and the Eagles have not indicated they will impose further sanctions.

Kelce, now retired, used his podcast platform to frame his criticism around Carter's potential and the expectations that come with playing in Philadelphia. His comments reflect concern among former players, team executives and fans about how a single moment can affect a player's reputation and career trajectory.

The episode is likely to remain a talking point through the week as both teams prepare for their next games. Coaches from both sides have so far handled the matter through public comments that focused on the mechanics of what occurred rather than broader judgments, while the league's fine and Carter's decision not to appeal have closed the immediate disciplinary chapter.