Quick Facts about Eagles Superstar, Jalen Carter: Age, Net Worth, Girlfriend and Why He Spat at Dak Prescott

From superstar to spectator in six seconds, Jalen Carter's season-opening shocker defines both his talent and turmoil.

Jalen Carter, the Philadelphia Eagles' commanding defensive tackle, has swiftly risen as one of the NFL's most promising young stars. The 24-year-old, drafted ninth overall in 2023, boasts a Super Bowl pink slip already in hand, but his recent six-second ejection for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has raised tough questions. Despite the drama, Carter remains a riveting figure off and on the field.

Career Star Power and Personal Profile

Born on 4 April 2001 in Apopka, Florida, Jalen Carter emerged as a force from his high school days at Apopka High, excelling in football, basketball and weightlifting, before dominating at Georgia as a unanimous All-American and two-time national champion.

Selected ninth overall by the Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft, he signed a four-year, fully guaranteed £17.6 million ($21.8 million) contract, including a £10.7 million ($13.2 million) signing bonus.

By 2024, Carter had earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honours, culminating in a Super Bowl LIX victory — his meteoric rise securing both team glory and personal acclaim. As of the end of 2024, he has totaled 75 tackles, 10.5 sacks and four forced fumbles according to his NFL stat line.

Net Worth and Private Personal Life

Although exact financial details remain private, estimates in early 2025 place Carter's net worth at approximately £1.2 million ( $1.5 million), primarily from his NFL earnings and likely modest endorsement income.

Off the field, Carter keeps a notably low profile. Reports from early 2025 show little is known about his romantic life. While there were fleeting mentions of a long-term girlfriend in 2023, her identity remains unconfirmed and unpublicised.

The Spitting Incident

On 4 September 2025, just six seconds into the Eagles' season opener, Carter was ejected for spitting on Prescott, a dramatic moment that stunned fans and capsized the early momentum. The act followed an apparent provocation: Prescott reportedly spat near the Eagles' huddle during a delay, which Carter perceived as a hostile act.

Referee Shawn Smith ruled Carter's behaviour a 'non-football act', leading to immediate disqualification. Carter later apologised: 'It was a mistake that happened on my side. It won't happen again', he said, expressing remorse to teammates, fans and his family.

Former Eagles center Jason Kelce added levity to the storm with a tongue-in-cheek post on X (formerly Twitter). 'This is the most wild start to an NFL season of all time. First play of the game, one player is carted off, the other ejected. I mean everyone knows you don't spit, you swallow obvi', he wrote.

His humorous take quickly went viral, blending disbelief with wit, and offered fans a moment of comic relief amid the chaos of Carter's ejection.

The Road Ahead: Talent at Risk?

This incident comes on the heels of earlier off-field concerns, most notably his involvement in a fatal 2023 crash in Georgia, which resulted in probation, a £800 ($1,000) fine and civil lawsuits. Despite these legal shadows, the Eagles believed his talent and environment could enable redemption.

Now, Carter faces possible league discipline, including fines or suspension, as the NFL emphasises sportsmanship in the wake of high-profile controversies. His apology may quell immediate backlash — but the act itself forces the franchise and fans to reassess whether his fiery passion aligns with championship conduct.

With a rising net worth, private personal life and high-profile accomplishments, Carter's future now hinges on whether he can channel intensity into impact without repeating a six-second mistake that still reverberates.