NFL officials make controversial ruling on opening kickoff fumble in Eagles vs Packers

You couldn’t script a worse start for the Green Bay Packers and a better start for the Philadelphia Eagles than what occurred on the first play of Sunday’s NFC Wild Card Round matchup.

Packers return man Keisean Nixon fumbled the opening kickoff after taking a big hit from Eagles special teamer Oren Burks. Officials determined it Eagles ball, though an over-the-top camera angle appeared to show Nixon clearly recovering his own fumble prior to the pile-up. The play was reviewed, and officials ruled the call as stands.

Packers fumble. It looks like Nixon has control of the ball while on the ground and then the ball was taken from him. Refs reviewed and said Eagles got the ball pic.twitter.com/hRxJpnhz8U

— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 12, 2025

That play and subsequent call immediately hurt the Packers. Taking over possession at Green Bay’s 28-yard line, Philadelphia cashed in three plays later. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, making his return to the lineup following a two-game absence due to a concussion, found a wide-open Jahan Dotson in the back of the end zone to give the Eagles an early lead.

Packers fans irate at controversial ruling at start of NFC Wild Card vs. Eagles

The Burks hit, however, became the focus for Packers fans, who were in disbelief over the ruling from the NFL officiating crew working the game.

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around Keisean Nixon very clearly recovering his own fumble but the ball going to the Eagles anyway,” one fan wrote on X. “Am I wrong for that? Am I losing my mind? Did he not recover that and were there not multiple cameras showing exactly that?”

It’s history now, and the Packers need to quickly regroup if they want to have a shot against the Eagles. Philadelphia has won 12 of its last 13 games, and Green Bay can’t afford to make many mistakes, or it’ll cost them. That’s true for any game, yes, but further magnified this time of the year.