Jason Kelce’s Candid Reaction to NFL Spitting Incident Sparks Mixed Reactions
In a surprising turn of events that marked an unusually dramatic start to the NFL season, Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected from the game after spitting in the face of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The incident occurred during an injury timeout just after the opening kickoff at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on September 4. As a result of Carter’s actions, the 24-year-old player was immediately removed from the game, and the Eagles were hit with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. This shocking behavior prompted former Eagles center Jason Kelce to share his unfiltered thoughts on social media, generating both support and criticism from fans and followers.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the 37-year-old Kelce expressed his astonishment at how the season opener had unfolded, writing, “This is the most wild start to an NFL season of all time. First play of the game, one player is carted off, the other ejected.” He then added a risqué joke: “I mean everyone knows you don’t spit, you swallow obvi.” In another post seemingly related to the incident, Kelce simply asked, “What in the f**k just happened?” His candid commentary, particularly the suggestive nature of his joke, elicited diverse responses from his social media audience. Some followers criticized Kelce for the crude humor, with one commenter questioning whether he would want his daughters reading such content and urging him to “grow up.” Another simply described it as a “weird thing to say.” However, others looked past the delivery to agree with his underlying sentiment about the severity of the spitting incident, with one follower suggesting that the player deserved a “lifetime ban” for such behavior.
The reactions to Carter’s actions weren’t limited to Kelce’s commentary. Prominent sports analyst Stephen A. Smith also took to social media to express his outrage, though in a more straightforward manner than Kelce. Smith wrote, “WTH did I just see? Jalen Carter — the Best Player on the @Eagles defense — just got thrown out the game before a freakin snap for SPITTING….SPITTING on @dak.” The 57-year-old analyst didn’t hold back in his condemnation, adding, “To hell with just an ejection. Suspend that man. How in the HELL could you do something like that? Inexcusable! Stupid! Selfish! #Damn!” Smith’s strong response highlights how Carter’s behavior was viewed as particularly egregious within the sporting community, transcending the usual physical confrontations that occasionally occur during competitive games.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter contributed to the conversation by sharing slow-motion footage of the incident, confirming what had transpired with a straightforward post: “Jalen Carter ejected for apparently spitting on Dak Prescott.” The visual evidence provided by Schefter left little room for interpretation or denial about what had occurred on the field. It’s worth noting that the incident came as a particularly surprising development considering recent comments from Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who had just days earlier spoken positively about Carter’s contributions to the team. Fangio, age 67, had specifically mentioned Carter’s mindset as a player, stating, “I don’t know that nastiness is the right word. I just think he has to play with the right mindset to reach his potential, or come close to reaching his potential. He’s just got to be on top of the details, play with great effort, and be focused.” The timing of these comments, followed so quickly by Carter’s ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct, creates an ironic juxtaposition.
The incident highlights the fine line between competitive intensity and unsportsmanlike conduct in professional sports. Spitting on an opponent crosses well-established boundaries of respect and sportsmanship, regardless of the fierce rivalries that exist between teams like the Eagles and the Cowboys. Carter’s actions have not only affected his personal reputation but also potentially impacted his team’s performance, as they lost a key defensive player before the game had truly begun. This kind of behavior often leads to broader discussions about player discipline, the culture within professional sports, and the responsibility athletes have as role models. While physical play and even occasional heated exchanges are part of competitive sports, certain actions—like spitting—are universally condemned as crossing the line from competition into disrespect.
Kelce’s response to the incident offers an interesting window into how former players view current on-field controversies. Known for his straightforward and sometimes irreverent communication style, Kelce has continued to be a vocal presence in NFL discussions since retiring from his playing career. His willingness to comment candidly—sometimes with humor that pushes boundaries—maintains his connection with fans who appreciate his authenticity, while occasionally drawing criticism from those who expect more measured responses from public figures. The mixed reactions to his commentary on this particular incident reflect broader tensions about appropriate public discourse from sports personalities, especially those who, like Kelce, have expanded their platform beyond the playing field into broader media and entertainment roles. As the NFL season progresses, this early incident will likely be referenced as a notable moment of misconduct, with Carter potentially facing further consequences beyond the game ejection, depending on how the league chooses to address such behavior in its ongoing efforts to maintain sportsmanship and professionalism on the field.
