Jason Kelce couldn’t wrap his head around “spitgate.”
During Wednesday’s installment of the “New Heights” podcast, the retired Eagles center said Philadelphia defensive tackle Jalen Carter “has to be smarter” after he was ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott at the beginning of Thursday’s 2025 season-opener.
“By far the craziest start to a season ever,” said Jason, who spent his entire 13-year NFL career with Philadelphia. “What are we doing? I don’t understand why that would happen. It was just a very frustrating moment … It’s just a really awful thing to be a part of as a fan base, as an organization and for that player. He’s a great player. He’s had all of these character things or whatever surround him, and then to do this, all of that gets brought up.
“He has to be smarter than this. He has a chance to be one of the best defensive linemen in this era of football. That’s how dominant he has been to this point. Don’t let this dumb behavior jeopardize the career, the person and the legacy that you can build — especially in this city.”
Jason demanded better out of Carter, who was hit with a one-game suspension without pay — which the NFL classified as him serving against the Cowboys since he was kicked out of the game before participating in a single play.
“It’s really unfortunate that happened,” Jason said. “It’s really unfortunate that now he’s going to have that image on him. Again, we all make mistakes. I have done things that I’m not proud of. Everybody gets caught up in the heat of the moment. He’s taken accountability. Now, moving forward, we need you to be better than that, Jalen. We have to have you better than that. And you need to be better than that for yourself.”
Jason’s co-host, Chiefs tight end and brother Travis Kelce, added, “You just gotta be able to keep your composure and understand that his team needs you. Just keep your blood pressure down, whatever you gotta do to stay in that game.”
Carter, 24, will forfeit his $57,222 game check as part of his punishment, according to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.
The incident occurred while Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren was waiting for a cart on the field after suffering a knee injury.
Prescott spit at the ground as he and Carter got in each other’s faces and that’s when cameras captured Carter spitting on Prescott.
“The NFL Players Association has informed the NFL that Carter will not contest the discipline and has waived his right to appeal,” the league said in a statement Tuesday. “He is eligible to participate in the club’s Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.”
After the game, Carter said “it won’t happen again.”
“You know it was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” he said. “I feel bad for just my teammates and the fans out there. You know, I’m doing it for them. I’m doing it for my family also but the fans, they show the most love. You heard them out there and not being able to start the game to finish the game just f–ked me up, but it won’t happen again.”
It’s unclear if the Eagles will discipline Carter, and head coach Nick Sirianni said he would keep it in-house.
Prescott said he asked Carter if he was trying to spit on him.
“He was insulting me,” told reporters afterwards. “I wouldn’t spit on somebody. I’m definitely not trying to spit on you. We’re about to play a game.”
Carter will be available for Philadelphia’s Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs in Kansas City on Sunday.
The Eagles routed the Chiefs, 40-22, in New Orleans on Feb. 9.
