The honeymoon phase is over for New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Dart became a fan favorite in New York during his rookie season, and understandably so. The Ole Miss product had 2,272 passing yards, 487 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns for the Giants.
While the talent of Dart can't be questioned, Giants fans are alarmed by his decision-making this offseason. For starters, he introduced President Trump at a campaign event at Rockland Community College. That decision didn't sit well with many people, including Giants pass rusher Abdul Carter.
“This was a unique opportunity. You know, being asked and given the opportunity to introduce the President of the United States, you know, my thinking was pretty simple. And the fact of, you know, I’ve always loved this country. I have extended family members who have fought in wars. I have two uncles who have retired from the Air Force Academy, and served themselves. And I have a great grandfather who served as Secretary of Treasury at some point. So the president position has always been a position that I have always respected, regardless of political affiliation, regardless of political party, and my intentions were just that,” Dart told reporters.
“I also understand in this world, politics can be a sensitive matter, a sensitive topic. I also understand that I am the quarterback of the New York Giants, and that involves a lot of responsibility. It’s under a limelight, under a microscope, and there’s a lot that comes with that, and it’s been something that I’ve embraced. … Most importantly, I can honestly say that I love every single one of my brothers, my teammates on this team regardless of politics, regardless of religious beliefs, regardless of anything that may be different between us. Like, I love them and they know exactly what kind of person that I am, who comes into the facility every day.”
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Less than a month later, Dart was spotted at the U.S. national team's opener for the FIFA World Cup. He was spotted in the crowd with Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua.
Nacua was sued earlier this offseason for allegedly making an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" and biting a woman's shoulder.
Unsurprisingly, Giants fans weren't thrilled about Dart spending time with Nacua.
Is it too much, too soon for Dart?
"Dart is acting like he has already won a Super Bowl championship," one fan commented.
"Way too early in his career to be having this vibe. Feels like a 'I made it' vibe for a player that hasn’t accomplished anything yet," another fan said.
"Out of all the NFL players you could go with, you choose Puka? Not the greatest decision making this summer for Jaxson," a third fan wrote.
"Dart might be smelling himself too much already and hasn't even done anything smh," a social media user added. "Better play well."
All it takes is a strong Week 1 performance for Dart to ease any concerns. On the flip side, a rough start to the 2026 season will have fans ready to hit the panic button.
The Giants will begin their 2026 season on Sept. 13 against the Dallas Cowboys.
