Wait. Did you see that clip? The one from the 2025 season opener against Philly where the cameras caught a bit of a "spitting" match? People lost their minds. Social media was convinced Dak Prescott was about to take a massive hit to his wallet. But as with most things in the NFL, the reality is a lot more nuanced than the 10-second viral video would have you believe.
Dak is no stranger to the league’s disciplinary office. He's been the face of the Dallas Cowboys for nearly a decade, which means every word he says and every move he makes is under a microscope. Whether it's a comment about the refs or a celebration in a red kettle, the league is always watching.
So, let's get into the weeds of his fine history and clear up the confusion about the recent drama.
The Spitting Controversy: What the League Actually Decided
Opening night of the 2025 season was, honestly, a circus. The Cowboys and the Eagles have a rivalry that is basically a powder keg, and things blew up six seconds into the game. You might have heard about "Spitgate."
Here is the breakdown of what happened: Dak Prescott was standing near the huddle. Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was hovering close by, and Dak—according to him—had to clear his throat. He spit on the ground and flashed a smirk. Carter reacted by spitting directly at Dak’s face.
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The aftermath?
- Jalen Carter was ejected and later hit with a massive $57,222 fine and a one-game suspension (which he technically served because he was tossed before a single snap).
- Dak Prescott didn't get a letter. He didn't get a fine. He didn't get a slap on the wrist.
NFL liaison Walt Anderson eventually confirmed that Dak’s initial spit violated no rules. People argued it was a taunt. Maybe it was. But in the eyes of the NFL’s "accountability measures," Dak was the victim here, not the aggressor. If you were searching for a recent fine in 2025 or early 2026, you won't find one for that incident.
That $25,000 Ref Comment: The 2022 Wild Card Incident
If you’re thinking of a time Dak actually got fined a significant chunk of change, you’re likely thinking back to that messy Wild Card loss against the San Francisco 49ers in January 2022.
The ending was a disaster. Dak tried a quarterback draw, couldn't get the ball spiked in time because of a collision with an official, and the clock hit zero. The fans at AT&T Stadium started pelting the field with trash.
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In the post-game presser, Dak initially called the trash-throwing "sad." Then a reporter told him the fans were actually aiming at the referees. Dak’s response? "Credit to them then. Credit to them."
The NFL does not play around when it comes to the safety and integrity of their officiating crews. Even though Dak issued a heartfelt apology on Twitter (now X) a couple of days later, the league office still handed down a $25,000 fine.
The Salvation Army Kettle Fines: Fun vs. The Rulebook
Then there was the 2022 "Whack-A-Mole" celebration. This one was actually kinda funny, even if the league didn't think so. During a blowout win against the Colts, Dak and Ezekiel Elliott jumped into the oversized Salvation Army red kettle.
The league viewed it as using a "prop" for a celebration.
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- Dak was fined $13,261.
- Ezekiel Elliott was hit with the same amount.
- Several Cowboys tight ends were also fined for similar stunts that season.
Dak didn't seem too bothered by it. He actually told reporters that the exposure for the charity was worth the fine. It's one of those weird NFL quirks where players are punished for something that the league’s own marketing team uses in highlight reels five minutes later.
Why NFL Fines Matter for the 2026 Season
As we move through 2026, the fine schedule has only gotten steeper. The league and the NFLPA agree on these numbers before the season starts to "preserve competitive balance." For a guy like Dak, who is playing on a massive contract—we're talking a $47.75 million base salary in 2025—a $13k fine is basically pocket change.
But it’s the record that matters. The NFL keeps a "totem pole" of infractions. If Dak were to get caught up in another officiating controversy or a taunting incident, the fines would double or triple based on him being a "repeat offender."
Actionable Insights for Cowboys Fans
If you're following Dak's status or worrying about his availability, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Check the Saturday Reports: The NFL usually announces fines from the previous Sunday’s games on Saturday afternoons. If you don't see a report by then, he’s in the clear.
- Differentiate Between Flags and Fines: Just because Dak gets a 15-yard penalty for "Unsportsmanlike Conduct" doesn't mean a fine is coming. The league reviews the tape independently of the refs' on-field calls.
- Contractual Protections: Most player contracts, including Dak’s latest extension, don't allow teams to "claw back" signing bonus money for simple on-field fines. Only suspensions without pay (like Jalen Carter’s) actually hit the cap.
The bottom line is that Dak Prescott hasn't been fined in the 2025-2026 cycle so far. He’s managed to navigate some high-tension moments—like the Christmas game against the Commanders or the New Year’s finale against the Giants—without getting into the league's crosshairs. Keep an eye on the Saturday wire, but for now, his wallet is safe.