Sunday’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers got off to a surprising start.
The referees ruled that Packers defensive back Keisean Nixon missed the kickoff. The Eagles got the ball back 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 playoff game and ultimately punched its ticket to the divisional round after beating Green Bay 22-10. After the game, Nixon argued that it was the game officials — not him — 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 kickoff against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Nixon claimed he was the one who recovered the fumble in the pileup, and that he was stripped of the pigskin after what should have been considered a dead ball. The two-time All-Pro also claimed the fumble should have been overturned because Eagles players committed an illegal hit that ultimately created the fumble.
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“I got the ball for sure, and he should have gone helmet-to-helmet,” Nixon said. “I’ve never been hit this 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) for the opening kickoff during the first half in 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 impose disciplinary action — such as a fine — at a later date if it determines a hit occurred.
A general view of Lincoln Financial Field before the NFC Wild Card Playoffs 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. The 27-year-old instead wants to focus on the cornerback role full-time.
“I want to be CB1,” Nixon said as players cleaned out their lockers for the offseason. “CB1 doesn’t do kick returns. That’s exactly what it is.” Nixon posted career highs in pass breakups and forced fumbles this season.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw three interceptions in 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 match was moved to Glendale, Arizonadue to ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
