In a twist that no one saw coming — but every Cowboys fan secretly suspected — newly leaked sideline photos from a 2022 Eagles vs. Cowboys game have set the NFL world ablaze.
The images, which surfaced late Monday night on the app formerly known as Twitter (now called X⁴), appear to show the game’s head referee high-fiving Eagles players, holding a Philly cheesesteak mid-game, and — worst of all — wearing green shoelaces.
🧐 Ref or Eagles Mascot?
One of the most damning photos shows the ref, identified as Don “Flaggy” Reynolds, giving Eagles QB Jalen Hurts a thumbs-up after a touchdown pass while completely ignoring a blatant false start.
Another blurry but viral image allegedly shows Reynolds whispering into an Eagles defender’s ear — possibly saying “blitz left” — though lip readers are divided.
Cowboys fans did not hold back:
“Forget bias. That man was about to suit up for Philly.”
“Jerry Jones needs to subpoena this dude’s closet.”
“Green shoelaces?! That’s basically a uniform violation!”
📉 Fallout Across the League
NFL insiders say the league office has launched a quiet investigation into the photos, though a spokesperson said:
“At this time, we cannot confirm if the shoelaces were team-affiliated or simply a fashion choice.”
Unofficial sources claim referee Reynolds’ Spotify Wrapped that year started with “Fly Eagles Fly.”
😡 Cowboys Players Speak Out
Former Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper reposted the photos on his story with the caption:
“Oh. So THAT’S why we got flagged 12 times for breathing.”
Even Dak Prescott, usually calm and measured, commented:
“I thought I was paranoid. Turns out I was just under surveillance by a closet Eagles fan.”
🏟️ Eagles Fans Respond… Pettily, Of Course
Philadelphia fans have embraced the chaos:
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“We told y’all we run the NFC and the officiating crew.”
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“Ref was just showing good taste.”
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“L + Ratio + Should’ve drafted Jalen Hurts.”
A Philly cheesesteak shop even released a special called “The Flag On the ‘Boys” — a sandwich served with a mini yellow penalty flag on top.
🎙️ Stephen A. Smith Weighs In (Obviously)
Appearing on First Take, Stephen A. delivered one of his all-time quotes:
“The Dallas Cowboys are America’s Team… at finding excuses. Ref or not, you had FOUR red zone trips and NO touchdowns!”
Max Kellerman was unavailable for comment, because he was too busy laughing.
🧠 Is a Rematch in the Works?
Rumors are swirling that Jerry Jones is lobbying for a “Justice Game” — a neutral-site rematch of that 2022 contest, complete with:
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Referees dressed in grayscale only
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Instant replay run by AI
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Fan voting to overturn penalties
The league has yet to respond, but TV execs are already foaming at the mouth.
🏁 Final Thought: Conspiracy or Comedy?
Maybe it was bias. Maybe it was bad optics. Or maybe — just maybe — the ref really did love cheesesteaks more than fairness.
Whatever the truth is, one thing’s clear: Cowboys fans will now never forget the game where they didn’t just play the Eagles…
…they played the entire officiating crew.