Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts went viral before his team’s opening night win over the Cowboys on Thursday as he was seen ‘dapping up’ a referee ahead of the game.
As seen on the NBC broadcast of the contest, Hurts and head referee Shawn Smith exchanged pleasantries before kickoff as they shook hands and chatted for several seconds.
At one point, Smith even gave a friendly tap on his shoulder pad.
And footage of the incident went viral as the Eagles went on to win 24-20.
‘The officials have absolutely no business chatting up any player at any game,’ one wrote on X.
‘LMAO we got the premium package after the SB. I’m ready for phantom calls in key moments like the Chiefs,’ an Eagles fan joked.
Jalen Hurts and referee Shawn Smith shared a friendly interaction before the Eagles-Cowboys game
Smith even gave Hurts a tap on his shoulder pad as she they spoke ahead of a Philly win
‘Imagine if Pat Mahomes did this,’ a third said.
And a fourth claimed, ‘Explains the handful of missed holding calls,’ after Hurts and the Eagles did appear to benefit from some missed calls during Hurts scrambles.
Nonetheless, other fans saw no issue with the passer’s pregame interaction with Smith.
‘The QB ALWAYS talks to the ref…both sides,’ one said.
‘He’s respected around the league dumba**,’ another fired back at the clip. ‘Clearly looks like he was congratulating him.’
And a third said: ‘It’s not that deep to be honest.’
Regardless, Hurts and the Eagles did just enough to stave off the Cowboys as he completed 19 of 23 passes for 152 yards.
Crucially, Hurts also added 62 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
After a high-scoring first half that saw Dallas go into the break 21-20, the second half was plagued by a severe weather delay which saw the game suspended for more than an hour.
Dallas had chances to re-take the lead, but star receiver CeeDee made an uncharacteristic four drops and the visitors ultimately went scoreless in the second half.
Next up for the Eagles is a Super Bowl rematch at the Chiefs, while Dallas will host the Giants.
