Sunday’s wild-card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers got off to a surprising start.
The referees ruled that Packers defensive back Keisean Nixon fumbled the opening kickoff. The Eagles recovered the ball and quickly took advantage of the short field. On Philadelphia’s third offensive play of the game, quarterback Jalen Hurts threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson.
Philly never trailed in the playoffs and eventually punched their ticket to the divisional round after defeating Green Bay 22-10. After the game, Nixon argued that the game’s umpires—not him—were the ones who dropped the metaphorical ball.
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January 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) returns a kickoff against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of the NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher-Imagn Photos)
Nixon claimed he was the one who recovered the fumble in the huddle and was stripped of the pigskin on what should have been ruled a dead ball. The two-time All-Pro also argued that the fumble should have been called because Eagles players committed an illegal hit, which ultimately created the fumble.
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“I got the ball back and then it should have been targeted, helmet to helmet,” Nixon said. “I’ve never been hit so hard.”
January 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Oren Burks (42) causes a fumble on Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) for the opening kickoff during the first half of an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)
Replay videos appeared to show an initial recovery by Nixon as he was contacted by players from the opposing team.
The league office could review the play in question and issue discipline — such as a fine — at a later date if it were to determine that an illegal hit occurred.
A general view of Lincoln Financial Field prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoff between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
On Monday, Nixon also expressed his lack of interest in returning kicks going forward. The 27-year-old will instead focus on being a full-time cornerback.
“I want to be CB1,” Nixon said as the players emptied their lockers for the offseason. “CB1 doesn’t do kick returns. It just is what it is.” Nixon posted career highs in pass breakups and forced fumbles this season.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw three interceptions during Sunday’s loss. Meanwhile, Hurts finished the game with two touchdown passes.
Philadelphia awaits the winner of Monday night’s game between the Los Angeles Rams. The wild-card round matchup was moved to Glendale, Arizonadue to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
