Keisean Nixon of the Packers challenges the early fumble call in the wild-card round game, claiming the Eagles should have been penalized.

The Packers were defeated by the Eagles, allowing them to progress to the divisional round.

Keisean Nixon of the Packers challenges the early fumble call in the wild-card round game, claiming the Eagles should have been penalized.
Keisean Nixon of the Packers challenges the early fumble call in the wild-card round game, claiming the Eagles should have been penalized.

The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles' wild-card game on Sunday began with a shocking start.

The Eagles recovered the ball after Packers defensive back Keisean Nixon fumbled the opening kickoff. On Philadelphia's third offensive play of the game, quarterback Jalen Hurts threw an 11 yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson.

The Packers never fell behind in the playoff game and eventually advanced to the divisional round after beating Philadelphia 22-10. After the match, Nixon contended that the referees, not he, were responsible for the metaphorical drop.

Keisean Nixon returns a kick
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) returns a kick off against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field.  (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)

Nixon declared that he was the one who recovered the fumble in the pile-up, but he was later stripped of the pigskin after what should have been considered a dead ball. The two-time All-Pro also argued that the fumble should have been negated because Eagles players committed an illegal hit which ultimately created the fumble.

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

Packers players gets tackled
Jan 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 kick off during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)

Videos of the replay showed Nixon recovering initially when he was being contacted by players from the opposing team.

The league office may review the play and issue discipline, such as a fine, if it determines an illegal hit occurred.

A general view of of Lincoln Financial Field
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)

Nixon, 27, stated on Monday that he no longer wants to return kicks and instead intends to concentrate on being a full-time cornerback.

Nixon declared his desire to be CB1 as players prepared for the offseason. "CB1 is not doing kick returns," he stated. Despite this, Nixon had a standout season, posting career-highs in pass breakups and forced fumbles.

During Sunday's loss, Jordan Love of the Packers threw three interceptions while Hurts of the Eagles finished the game with two touchdown passes.

The winner of Monday night's game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles will be decided in Glendale, Arizona, due to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

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by Chantz Martin

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