The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys were playing only for pride during the final week of the NFL season. That did not stop them from getting into a fight.
In fact, the lack of motivation as two teams that were already eliminated from the playoffs might’ve increased the amount of tension between two division rivals.
NFL officials ultimately ruled two different fouls from the scuffle. The penalty that was accepted also resulted in an ejection.
Quinnen Williams laid on Jaxson Dart.
This whole thing started with a passing touchdown. New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart threw a laser into the end zone for six. He got absolutely crushed after the ball left his hands.
Although Cowboys defensive end James Houston got to the signal-caller just a second or two late, it was clean. Not egregious enough to throw a flag.
However, he laid on top of Dart for an extended period of time.
Jaxson Dart found Tyrone Tracy Jr. for a touchdown.
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) January 4, 2026
Well placed and delivered by Dart. A fight ensued after. Devin Singletary threw a two-point conversion. Week 18! pic.twitter.com/AOVT43EVyl
Offensive lineman Marcus Mbow took issue with the amount of time it took for the defensive end to get back to his feet. He had some words for Houston as he helped his quarterback up from the ground.
And then it got chippy!
Multiple players from both teams converged at the original line of scrimmage. Pushing and shoving very quickly escalated to open-hand contact by Quinnen Williams. Offensive lineman Greg Van Rotten grabbed onto Sam Williams’ facemask. Donovan Ezeiruaku stood up for his teammate and grabbed onto the facemask of Van Rotten. He eventually ripped the helmet from his head.
What the fuck is going on? Greg Van Roten getting his helmet slowly ripped off pic.twitter.com/CYnKqHI07d
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) January 4, 2026
Flags were everywhere.
Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected by NFL officials.
There were two penalties called on the play. Neither of them had to do with the initial hit.
The first penalty was called on Williams for hitting Mbow. That was declined.
The second penalty was called on Ezeiruaku for pulling the helmet off Van Rotten’s head. That was accepted. He was disqualified from the contest to end his first season in the NFL.
Not one player on the Giants was called for a penalty even though they were equally as involved in the skirmish. Only Quinnen Williams for throwing a “punch” and Donovan Ezeiruaku for ripping off the helmet.
And yet, it appeared as though Van Rotten started it. He also grabbed onto an opposing player’s facemask, but did not get flagged because the helmet did not come off.
How is that fair? Was it the right call?
New York fans obviously say yes. Dallas fans question the double standard.
Regardless of whether it was the correct decision by the officials or not, the touchdown stood. The Giants also went for two to add insult to injury and to extend their lead to 14.