1. Jason Kelce once supported but still placed expectations on Carter’s responsibility
It cannot be denied that Jason Kelce once highly appreciated Jalen Carter’s potential. Before Carter joined the Eagles, Kelce shared on the New Heights podcast that despite concerns about his character from college, if “Carter accepts to professionalize and really put his heart into it,” he could have “a life-changing career in the NFL
Kelce once said:
“As long as he dedicates himself, as long as he becomes a professional. He has a chance to have a life-changing career in the NFL.”
This is the perspective of a veteran who emphasizes internal development and discipline. Jason Kelce believes the Eagles environment — with its veteran locker room — will help Carter grow both professionally and personally
2. Carter’s Spitting Incident: The Action That Got Kelce’s Big Back
When Carter was ejected after just six seconds for a blatant insult by spitting on Dak Prescott, the reaction wasn’t just from fans or the media—Kelce wasn’t left out. While there’s no direct quote from Kelce about the moment, here are some independent sources:
“What in the f**k”: Jason Kelce blasts Jalen Carter for spitting on Dak Prescott and getting ejected in Eagles vs. Cowboys season opener
SportSpyder
That indignant phrase suggests Kelce didn’t hide his frustration, and that he saw the action as crossing the line of what’s acceptable in professional football.
3. The Bigger Context: Eagles Responsibility, Image, and Culture
Jalen Carter is more than just a standout player — he’s a defensive stalwart who helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX, made the Pro Bowl, and was named an All-Pro (second-team) last season
Wikipedia
. With that kind of excellence comes huge expectations, and such an action would not only damage morale within the Eagles but also affect the team’s image in the eyes of the media and fans.
Kelce, as the locker room leader, is clearly concerned not only about the technical aspects but also about the fact that any action — especially one that’s out of control — could have lasting effects on a player’s career and legacy.
4. Community Perspective—Reddit Recalls the Responsibility of Veteran Leadership
On the New Heights show, Kelce once mentioned that the role of veteran players is to keep Carter grounded and not let him “get carried away by success.” A Reddit comment read:
“Sometimes a player who thinks they’re hot shit needs to get busted in the mouth… to realize they have work to do.”
That statement speaks to the responsibility of inspecting, “landing” young talent in the harsh reality of the NFL. And Carter’s act of defiance clearly touches on the sensitive point of personal responsibility that Kelce once emphasized.
Summary: Three Perspectives – Professionalism, Responsibility, Discipline
Content Perspective
Professionalism Jason Kelce once believed that Carter could become a star if he was professional and committed to
SI
.
Image Representation The act of spitting is a shock to both personal and collective honor and image.
Kelce’s leadership role, as a veteran and leader, clearly does not accept such lack of discipline.