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Packers' Keisean Nixon disputes early fumble in wild-card round game, argues Eagles should have been penalized

by · Fox News

Sunday's wild-card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers got off to a surprising start. 

Referees ruled that Packers defensive back Keisean Nixon fumbled 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.

Philly never trailed in the playoff game and eventually punched their 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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Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon, #25, returns a kick-off against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of the NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Jan. 12, 2025. (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)

Nixon asserted that he was the one who recovered the fumble in the pile-up, and 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 negated because Eagles players committed an illegal hit which ultimately created the fumble.

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"I got the ball back for sure, and then it should’ve been targeting, helmet to helmet," Nixon said. "I’ve never been hit that hard."

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Oren Burks, #42, causes a fumble on Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon, #25, on the opening kick-off during the first half of an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Jan. 12, 2025. (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)

Replay videos appeared to show an initial recovery by Nixon as he was being contacted by players from the opposing team. 

The league office could review the play in question and issue discipline — such as a fine — at a later date should it determine 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 Jan. 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

On Monday, Nixon also expressed his lack of interest in returning kicks going forward. The 27-year-old instead wants to focus on being a cornerback on a full-time basis.

"I want to be CB1," Nixon said as players emptied their lockers for the offseason. "CB1 is not doing kick returns. That's just what it is."  Nixon posted career-highs in pass breakups and forced fumbles this season.

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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 relocated to Glendale, Arizona, due to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

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