The NFL season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys was suspended in the third quarter due to lightning strikes in the area.
In remarkable scenes, the players were quickly taken off the field and the PA announcer urged fans to ‘seek shelter’ from the elements.
There was 4:44 remaining in the third quarter when the decision was made by officials at 10:26pm, with the Eagles leading 24-20.
A few minutes later, it was revealed by reporters that the game was suspended due to lightning within eight miles of the stadium, starting a 30-minute clock.
If, after 30 minutes, no more lightning has occurred, the game can continue. Any new lightning strike, though, resets the clock – threatening a long night for football fans.
In a further twist, the National Weather Service was forced to correct the Eagles’ PA announcer’s threat of a ‘Severe Thunderstorm Warning’.
In a post on X, they clarified: ‘A thunderstorm is approaching south Philadelphia. At this time, the primary threats are lightning and brief downpours. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is not currently in effect.’
The suspension of the game was just the latest moment of a wild opening night to the 2025 season, after a serious injury and an ejection began proceedings.
In a shameful incident just six seconds into the game, Eagles’ defensive superstar Jalen Carter appeared to spit at Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, leading to him being booted from the game.
It happened during a break in play for Eagles trainers to tend to fullback Ben VanSumeren, who was injured on the game’s opening kickoff and ultimately needed to be carted off the field with a knee injury.
