Cowboys-Eagles NFL season opener is SUSPENDED and players are rushed off the field

Daily Mail UK ^ | September 4, 2025 | Ben Nagle

[Morgana]

The NFL season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys was suspended in the third quarter due to lightning strikes in the area.

In remarkable scenes, the players were quickly taken off the field and the PA announcer urged fans to 'seek shelter' from the elements.

There was 4:44 remaining in the third quarter when the decision was made by officials at 10:26pm, with the Eagles leading 24-20.

A few minutes later, it was revealed by reporters that the game was suspended due to lightning within eight miles of the stadium, starting a 30-minute clock.

If, after 30 minutes, no more lightning has occurred, the game can continue. Any new lightning strike, though, resets the clock - threatening a long night for football fans.

Many jumped straight on social media to share their fury at the decision, with one noting: 'Soft league, just let them play.'

Another added, 'It's 10:30pm, some of us got jobs', while a third said: 'This would’ve never happened in the 90s or early 2000s.'

In a further twist, the National Weather Service was forced to correct the Eagles' warning to their fans of a 'severe thunderstorm' approaching.

[Ditto]

I am curious if a professional athlete in any sport, anywhere in the world, has ever been struck by lightning during a game.

Yes. His name is Lee Trevino.

[mmichaels1970]

If the fan decided on his own to go to the game and decided on his own to stay as a storm approached who would be liable for his decision to stay and not leave?

I’d think he still might have a case by saying that by continuing the game it would have cost him financially (as a paid ticket holder) by leaving. Unless the league had a policy to issue refunds or prorated refunds for fans who chose to leave (which they don’t).