Sunday’s wild card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers got off to a surprising start.
The referees ruled that Packers defensive back Keisean Nixon fumbled on 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.
Philadelphia never trailed in the playoff game and finally punched its ticket to the divisional round after defeating Green Bay 22-10. After the game, Nixon argued that the game officials, not him, were the ones who dropped the metaphorical ball.
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January 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) returns a kick against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Images by Bill Streicher-Imagn)
Nixon claimed that he was the one who recovered the fumble in the collision, and was stripped of the pigskin after what should have been considered a dead ball. The two-time All-Pro also claimed that the fumble should have been overturned because Eagles players committed an illegal hit that ultimately led to the fumble.
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“I probably got the ball back and then I should have taken aim, helmet to helmet,” Nixon said. “I’ve never been hit so hard.”
January 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Oren Burks (42) causes a fumble on Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) to start the first half in an NFC Wild Card game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Images by Eric Hartline-Imagn)
Replay videos appeared to show an initial recovery by Nixon as players from the opposing team contacted him.
The league office could review the play in question and issue disciplinary action, such as a fine, at a later date if it determines 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 in the future. Instead, the 27-year-old wants to focus on being a full-time cornerback.
“I want to be CB1,” Nixon said as players emptied their lockers for the offseason. “CB1 doesn’t return kicks. That’s just what it is.” Nixon recorded career highs in pass deflections 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.
