In the aftermath of “Spitgate,” Jason Kelce has delivered a stern reality check to Jalen Carter,  the Philadelphia defensive tackle who was at the center of the controversy.

The veteran footballer said Carter “has to be smarter than this” if he hopes to last in the NFL and build a career as one of the league’s best defensive linemen.

As a result of the incident, Jalen Carter was hit with a one-game suspension and reportedly had to forfeit $57,222, which is said to be his earnings for one game.

The NFL’s 2025 season began with more drama than anyone might have imagined as Philadelphia defensive tackle Jalen Carter found himself at the center of controversy after spitting on the ground while facing off with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during a heated moment in the game.

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The act, which has widely been viewed as disrespectful, has now drawn a reaction from retired Eagles center Jason Kelce.

Jason called the incident “the craziest start to a season ever,” adding that he doesn’t “understand why that would happen.”

He went on to admonish Carter and also advise him not to let the controversy distract him from his focus on building a great career.

“He’s a great player, [but] he has to be smarter than this,” Jason said about Carter, per the New York Post. “He has a chance to be one of the best defensive linemen in this era of football. That’s how dominant he has been to this point. Don’t let this dumb behavior jeopardize the career, the person, and the legacy that you can build — especially in this city.”

Speaking further about “Spitgate,” Jason said it was “really unfortunate” that the incident occurred and pointed out that Carter now has to deal with the image of being associated with such controversy.

He then urged fans and other football stakeholders not to use the incident as a reason to hold a grudge against the player, especially as he had taken accountability by publicly apologizing.

“We all make mistakes,” Jason said. “I have done things that I’m not proud of. Everybody gets caught up in the heat of the moment. He’s taken accountability. Now, moving forward, we need you to be better than that, Jalen. We have to have you better than that. And you need to be better than that for yourself.”

Adding to the conversation, Jason’s brother, Travis Kelce, called on Carter to maintain “composure” even in high-pressure situations in subsequent games.

“You just gotta be able to keep your composure and understand that his team needs you,” the Kansas City Chiefs tight end shared.

He continued, “Just keep your blood pressure down, whatever you gotta do to stay in that game.”

Shortly after the incident, Carter was suspended for one game by the NFL, the league’s governing body.

However, he remains eligible to participate in his team’s next matchup with the Chiefs, as the NFL explained that since he was ejected before the first snap, he has effectively already served the one-game suspension.

Despite that stroke of luck, Carter still felt the sting of his actions, as he reportedly had to forfeit his $57,222 game check as part of his punishment.

According to ESPN, there is also the possibility that the defensive tackle could face additional discipline from head coach Nick Sirianni, though it remains unclear. Sirianni has said any team-related disciplinary action would be handled privately.

Meanwhile, the footballer took further accountability by choosing not to contest the suspension and fine, alongside waiving his right to appeal.

Amid the backlash from his actions, Carter publicly apologized and promised such an incident wouldn’t repeat itself.

“You know it was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” the footballer remarked candidly.

He also shared that his ejection took a toll on him as he had disappointed his teammates and fans who were counting on him.

“I feel bad for just my teammates and the fans out there,” Carter added. “You heard them out there and not being able to start the game to finish the game just f-cked me up, but it won’t happen again.”