Cooper Dejean vs. Marist Liufau: Major brawl erupts at Eagles - Cowboys opener; ‘why no ejection’

Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys players got into a fight during which Cooper Dejean “ripped off” Marist Liufau's helmet.

A major brawl erupted during the 2025 NFL season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, during which Cooper Dejean “ripped off” Marist Liufau's helmet. Despite the incident, Dejean was not penalized by the referees, sparking widespread backlash online.

Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) and Dallas Cowboys' Marist Liufau, right, are separated by referee Shawn Smith (14) as they and others scuffle after a play in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia.(AP)

Reactions

One person wrote, “Certainly looks like Cooper DeJean ripped off a helmet in the fight and the Cowboys were the ones flagged.”

Another commented, “Awful refereeing. Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean started up with Cowboys players and somehow Dallas was penalized. DeJean nearly ripped the Dallas player's helmet off and was not called for a penalty by the refs.”

A third person wrote, "Why is dallas getting a penalty when dejean instigated the whole scrum.

Another person commented, “How is that a penalty for Dallas? Dejean ripped a helmet off and 3 Eagles swarmed the guy with no helmet???"

Another wrote, “How do you not get ejected for ripping off someone’s helmet?”

Spit incident

Earlier in the game, Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The incident happened during a break in play after the opening kickoff, while Philadelphia's medical staff was helping an injured player. Cameras showed Carter walking up to the Cowboys' huddle and getting face-to-face with Prescott before appearing to spit on him.

Following the incident, social media users began calling for Jalen Carter to be suspended. However, Sports Illustrated’s Kansas City Chiefs reporter Zak Gilbert noted on X that the NFL has historically issued fines and not suspensions for similar actions.

“For those wondering re: Jalen Carter’s potential suspension for Week 2 at #Chiefs, NFL has historically only fined players for similar incidents, including Terrell Owens fined for spitting on DeAngelo Hall in ‘06 and Bill Romanowski for spitting on JJ Stokes in’ ‘97,” he wrote on X.