After questioning by a Target employee over potential shoplifting, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter is calling the incident in mid-November a “misunderstanding.”
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Carter and a female companion talked to a Target employee and the police after the woman put items in a bag without paying for them and Carter picked it up.
“It was probably just a misunderstanding,” Carter told reporters. “I don’t really know too much about it.”
The misunderstanding didn’t escalate and Carter walked out without the need for a police report. The Eagles star would have absolutely no reason to shoplift — not with his four-year, $21.8 million rookie deal. Philadelphia took Carter with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Georgia after he helped the team win back-to-back national titles.
He is making a major impact for the Super Bowl contenders in his first season in the Kelly Green. Carter is third on the team in sacks with four so far this year, along with 23 total tackles, six tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
Carter blocks field goal vs Buffalo Bills
On Sunday, against the Buffalo Bills, Jalen Carter notched his first blocked field goal in the NFL. With the Eagles trailing 10-7 in the second quarter, the first-round pick jumped as high as he’s probably ever jumped, getting a hand on kicker Tyler Bass’s 34-yard attempt, knocking it way off course.
Those three points ended up making a huge difference as the Eagles trailed by just three to close out regulation. A made field goal gave them the chance to battle it out in overtime, which they did. The Eagles won it in overtime on a 12-yard rushing touchdown by QB Jalen Hurts.
Eagles loving first-round pick
Carter has impressed everyone within the organization, including defensive coordinator Sean Desai. Desai noted several weeks into the season just how much Carter loves football.
“I don’t know if it’s a surprise, but it’s impressive how much he loves football,” Desai said. “He’s like a sponge… asking for feedback… getting coached hard.”
Part of why he’s had so much success, according to Desai, is how well he takes to coaching because of his desire to improve.
“And even from his peers, he’s taking a lot of coaching from his peers, and whoever he can feel like he can get information from, a lot of guys are touching him. Coach [Tracy] Rocker obviously is a primary key point. [Fletcher Cox], obviously, has been big. And even [defensive and football operations assistant] Matt Leo has done a tremendous job of pulling him aside and doing things with him, Coach [Jeremiah] Washburn,” Desai said.
“That’s the impressive part. He’s a sponge, wants to keep getting better, keep being a big part of this defense and impacting and he’s taking ownership.”
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