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New York Giants quarterback Jackson Dart introduced President Donald Trump at a campaign-style rally for Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler on Friday, May 22, in Suffern, New York.
Dart’s short speech drew criticism from one of his teammates, fellow 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter, who questioned the quarterback’s decision to play in the event.
“I thought this (expletive) was AI,” Carter wrote in a May 23 repost of the darts introduction on social media. “What are we doing?”
Mr. Dart did not immediately respond publicly to Mr. Carter’s social media complaints, and it is not clear whether he will.
Meanwhile, Giants veteran offensive tackle Jermaine El-Emuner, during a social media conversation about the edge rusher’s original post, seemed to imply that Carter’s jab was no big deal, telling Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News to “relax.”
Dart only spoke briefly during the rally. He took the stage as “Eye of the Tiger” blared in the background, then spoke for about a minute before making way for Trump.
“Dear Big Blue people, it’s an honor to be here,” Dart said, leading the crowd in the Giants’ “Go, Big Blue!” chant. “What an honor and what an honor to be here. Without further ado, I would like to thank you, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to President Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America.”
Dart then shook hands and hugged Trump, and the president began his speech, showering the 23-year-old quarterback with praise.
President Trump said, “I want to thank Jackson Dart.” “In my opinion, this guy is going to be a future Hall of Famer. Thank you, thank you, Jackson. There’s a lot of talent.”
The president referenced Dart throughout his speech when discussing his policy goal of banning transgender athletes from women’s sports.
President Trump said, “I’m keeping an eye on Mr. Jackson.” “I have to ask, are there any women in the audience who think they can tackle that guy? I want to meet them. I want to shake his hand. I don’t know. Jackson, do you think you can tackle a woman?”
Trump added: “Mr. Jackson, please don’t get involved.” “Please don’t answer that question.”
Trump also called Darts a “beautiful man” with “legs like tree trunks” during his speech.
Dart just completed his rookie season, during which he started 12 games and had a solid performance. Ole Miss went 4-8, completing 63.7 percent of his passes for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions, and added 487 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. He finished fourth in NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Meanwhile, Carter, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, finished fifth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting with 43 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles.
The Giants’ two young stars will have plenty of time to resolve their differences ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Nick Brinkerhoff of USA TODAY Sports also contributed to this report.
