Jason Kelce says he is still stunned by how the NFL season began.
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On Wednesday's New Heights podcast, the retired Eagles center called out defensive tackle Jalen Carter for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in the opening moments of Thursday's season-opener, an act that led to Carter's immediate ejection.
"By far the craziest start to a season ever," Kelce said. "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 has to be smarter than this."
Carter, 24, forfeited his $57,222 game check and was hit with what the league termed a one-game suspension without pay, since he never played a snap in the Eagles' 24-20 win.
Kelce said the behavior risks overshadowing Carter's potential. "He has a chance to be one of the best defensive linemen in this era of football. Don't let this dumb behavior jeopardize the career, the person and the legacy that you can build — especially in this city," he said.
Travis Kelce, Jason's co-host, also weighed in. "You just gotta be able to keep your composure and understand that your team needs you," the Chiefs tight end said.
Carter apologized after the game, admitting, "It was a mistake that happened on my side. It won't happen again." Prescott, meanwhile, said the entire exchange was a misunderstanding, explaining that he spat on the ground while talking to a teammate and Carter thought it was directed at him.
Carter will be back on the field Sunday when the Eagles travel to Kansas City for a Super Bowl rematch.
