Sunday’s wildcard match between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers got off to a surprising start.
That’s what the referees ruled Packers defensive back Keisean Nixon fumbled on the opening kickoff. The Eagles regained 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.
Philly never trailed in the playoff game and ultimately punched their ticket to the divisional round after defeating Green Bay 22-10. After the game, Nixon argued that it was the game officials – not him – who dropped the metaphorical ball.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
January 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; 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 that he was the one who recovered the fumble in the pile, and that he was stripped of the pigskin after what should have been ruled 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 caused the fumble.
EAGLES’ AJ BROWN READS BOOK ON THE SIDELINES DURING TEAM’S PLAYOFF WIN
“I definitely got the ball back and it should have been aimed, helmet to helmet,” Nixon said. “I’ve never been hit so hard.”
January 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; 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 approached 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 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 penalties in the future. The 27-year-old instead wants to focus on a full-time basis at cornerback.
“I want to be CB1,” Nixon said as players emptied 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.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
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 wildcard round matchup was moved to Glendale, Arizonadue to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports reporting on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
