Giants convene team meeting following Dart’s introduction of President Trump
Sources indicate New York Giants leadership sought to keep matters internal after teammate Abdul Carter’s social media posts sparked discussion around Jaxson Dart’s appearance at a campaign rally.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart addressed his teammates during a team meeting on Wednesday to discuss his introduction of President Donald Trump at a political event in New York last week, according to sources speaking to ESPN and NFL Network. The gathering occurred as the team returned to work for organized team activities following the holiday weekend.
The meeting was convened in the wake of social media activity from second-year outside linebacker Abdul Carter, who initially questioned the authenticity of video footage showing Dart introducing Trump at an event for New York Representative Mike Lawler. Carter posted on X that he thought the video was artificial intelligence, but later clarified that he and Dart were "good" and urged others to stop spreading narratives.
Team leaders, including edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, as well as backup quarterback Jameis Winston, spoke during the session. Sources indicated that the discussion focused on keeping internal matters private and avoiding the public airing of frustrations. Several players, including offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, publicly insisted that the locker room remained fine.
Dart, 23, introduced Trump at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, on Friday. The event was held for Lawler, located approximately 35 miles northwest of New York City. Dart led the crowd in a "Go Big Blue" chant before introducing the president, describing it as an honour and privilege to introduce the 45th and 47th president of the United States.
This marks the second instance this year where Trump and the Giants have intersected. In January, Trump advocated on Truth Social for the Giants to hire head coach John Harbaugh, praising him and his brother Jim as "winners." Harbaugh acknowledged the post at his introductory news conference, noting the excitement surrounding the franchise.
Dart was a first-round pick by the Giants last year out of Ole Miss and became the starting quarterback in Week 4 of his rookie season. He threw 15 touchdown passes and five interceptions, along with nine rushing touchdowns, the second most in the modern era for a rookie quarterback. The Giants view Dart as their franchise quarterback and are building an offense around him under new head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.
