By Erie365NewsWriter 
The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their 2025 NFL season with a 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys, starting their Super Bowl title defense on the right foot. Rookie standout Cooper DeJean continued to make waves, playing a key role in the victory. But the headlines didn’t stop with the final score — penalties and fines followed soon after.
Cooper DeJean Fined in Heated Exchange
Early in the first quarter, tempers flared on a kick return after the Eagles tied the game at 7-7. Dallas wide receiver Kavontae Turpin returned the kickoff to the 24-yard line before a brief skirmish erupted. In the middle of it, Cooper DeJean fined $11,593 by the NFL, ripped off Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau’s helmet.
Liufau retaliated by grabbing DeJean’s facemask, but it was the Cowboys linebacker who drew the in-game penalty. Still, DeJean was later fined for unnecessary roughness.
Additional Eagles Players Penalized
DeJean wasn’t the only Eagle facing disciplinary action. Cornerback Jakorian Bennett was fined $23,186 for a hip-drop tackle, linebacker Nolan Smith was fined $11,593 for taunting, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter received the largest fine at $57,222 for spitting on Dak Prescott before the first snap — an action that led to his ejection.
The Cooper DeJean fined moment was just one of several that highlighted a physical and emotional divisional battle.
Cowboys Also Hit with Fines
The Cowboys saw their own penalties. Liufau was fined $7,186 for his part in the facemask incident, and offensive tackle Tyler Guyton was fined $12,172 for striking during the first quarter.
Looking Ahead to a Super Bowl Rematch
Despite the fines, the Eagles are focused on what’s next. They’ll take the field again on “Sunday Night Football” in a Super Bowl rematch against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Cooper DeJean fined controversy may linger, but Philadelphia’s eyes are on another championship run.