Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter finds himself at the centre of a fresh controversy after being caught in an apparent eye-gouging incident during Sunday's narrow victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Controversial Play Sparks Outrage
The incident occurred during a crucial short-yardage situation deep in Philadelphia territory. Video replay clearly shows Carter's right thumb making contact with the eye of Bills right tackle Spencer Brown, while his biceps also appears to slam into the player's throat.
Fox Sports commentator and NFL legend Tom Brady reacted instantly, stating: 'Ouch. He got eye gouged and throat slashed.' Remarkably, officials threw no flag for the play, which left Brown requiring brief attention from the Bills' medical team.
Brown's Blunt Assessment and Carter's Troubled History
After the game, which the Eagles won 13-12 after a failed two-point conversion by Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Spencer Brown did not mince his words. Asked by WGRZ reporter Jonathan Acosta if he believed the contact was accidental, Brown replied: 'No, I don't think so, but it was coming I guess.'
This is not Carter's first disciplinary issue of the 2025 season. He was ejected a mere six seconds into the Week 1 opener for spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, an act that resulted in a one-game suspension and a $57,222 fine from the NFL.
Carter's off-field history also casts a long shadow. In January 2023, while celebrating a national championship with the University of Georgia, he was involved in a fatal street racing crash. Teammate Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy died in the incident. Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanour charges of reckless driving and racing, receiving one year of probation and a $1,000 fine.
Impact on the Field and Looking Ahead
Despite the controversies, Carter's on-field talent is undeniable. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound defensive standout was the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and started in Philadelphia's Super Bowl LIX victory last February.
He has battled shoulder issues this season, missing several games before returning with the aid of pain injections. Against the Bills, he was part of a dominant defensive line that sacked Josh Allen five times, with Carter himself recording a sack and a defended pass.
The latest incident, however, raises serious questions about his conduct and the potential for further disciplinary action from the league, as his reputation for dangerous play continues to grow.
