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Super Bowl LIX: Kansas City Chiefs v Philadelphia Eagles Kara Durrette/GettyImages

Jason Kelce's note on Jalen Carter's 'boneheaded move' ahead of Chiefs game

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles | By Gourab Saha | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The NFL season opener felt like a perfect tailgate spread. Then someone kicked over the guacamole. A highly anticipated kickoff against Dallas was instantly soured by a moment of sheer madness for the Eagles. The mood shifted from electric to bewildering in a heartbeat. And it left everyone asking one simple question: what just happened?

That moment was Jalen Carter’s ejection for spitting on Dak Prescott. Veteran analyst Mike Quick summed up the city’s disbelief. “Such a boneheaded move that I just didn’t have words,” Quick stated in his conversation with SportsRadio 94 WIP. Jason Kelce mirrored the shock at the incident with the radio network next.

“My reaction right away was, 'What the heck is going on?'” Kelce said. His immediate reaction was pure confusion. "'Boneheaded move' is such a great way to say it by Mike. Why would you even go there? Why would that even occur to you?" The video evidence was undeniable.

This wasn't just a penalty. It was a profound lapse in judgment from a cornerstone player. But Kelce’s concern extends beyond the game itself.

He sees a young star at a critical career crossroads. “And beyond that, you had four quarters to get back at this guy. You’re a player this team relies on,” Kelce emphasized. “You’re building a legacy, something much bigger than this. Don’t lose sight of that.” With veteran leaders like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham gone, Carter’s role is magnified.

His absence for the entire Cowboys game was a self-inflicted wound the Eagles' defense had to overcome. And this incident forced a larger question on the team's discipline. Can they harness their immense talent without these costly distractions?

A Test of Resilience in Kansas City for Jalen Carter & Co.

Now, all eyes turn to Arrowhead Stadium. Carter’s return is crucial against Patrick Mahomes. His interior pressure is the key to disrupting the Chiefs' offensive rhythm. However, his mental focus is under a microscope. Will he channel his energy into sacks, or will the moment overwhelm him again?

The Eagles' culture, praised for its resilience, faces an immediate test. And Kelce is hopeful. "I just want this kid to really understand—he has so much potential, not just as a player, but as a human being, to leave a life and a legacy behind that can transcend things for his family," Kelce said. "It’s really sad that something like this happens, but he’ll make the corrections." Meanwhile, the team has clearly addressed the issue internally.

Jordan Davis confirmed that Carter apologized to his defensive line mates. “He’s like, ‘I made a dumb decision; it won’t happen again,’” Davis said. “We believe that.” The addition of veteran Za’Darius Smith adds a guiding voice, a leader who can put his "arms around him," as Smith himself claimed. This support system is vital. The Eagles need Carter’s ferocity, but they need it between the whistles.

Eventually this is about more than a game or two. It’s about Carter’s maturation. Kelce believes in his potential, not just as a player, but as a man. “The Eagles have lost a lot of older players and leaders over the last few years. Now this guy is somebody they’re counting on to be a presence on that field,” Kelce noted.

For the Eagles to conquer Kansas City, they need the mature version of Carter. They need the game-wrecker in place of the headline-maker. The chapter on spit-gate should remain closed. And the story of Carter's response needs to start now.

History nods along. Mean Joe Greene once kicked Jim Otto. He learned and then became the cornerstone of a dynasty. Carter’s chapter is still blank after page one.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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