Giants Defenders Applaud Jaxson Dart for Sliding in Practice: 'We've Been Begging Him to Do That' During Monday’s practice session, New York Giants defenders celebrated a key moment in quarterback Jaxson Dart’s second NFL season as he made a deliberate decision to slide near the sideline instead of engaging with a defender. The move drew immediate praise from the defensive unit, with players erupting in cheers and high-fiving Dart for his apparent shift toward self-preservation. According to on-site observers, including ESPN’s Jason McCourty, the defensive sideline’s reaction underscored the significance of the moment. Dart, entering his second year with the Giants, has faced growing concerns about his susceptibility to injury. His aggressive playing style, which earned him admiration from fans during his rookie season, led to two missed games in 2025 after he suffered a concussion in Week 10. Following that incident, the Giants’ coaching staff and medical team intensified their focus on protecting Dart, emphasizing the importance of minimizing risks to ensure his availability for the 2026 season. Despite these recommendations, Dart initially resisted the advice, telling reporters in early December that “big hits are just part of the game.” However, his approach appeared to shift during Monday’s practice. As he broke free from a defensive tackle, Dart opted to slide rather than absorb contact, a decision that left the defensive sideline visibly relieved. Edge rusher Brian Burns, speaking to reporters afterward, humorously noted the team’s long-standing frustration with Dart’s risk-taking tendencies. “Yeah, we’ve been begging him to do that for a while now, so I’m glad that he’s starting to practice it,” Burns said, adding a note of satisfaction.#espn #new_york_giants #jaxson_dart #jason_mccourty #brian_burns
QB Jaxson Dart Praised for Inbounds Slide During Giants Practice EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart made a notable move during Monday’s training camp practice by sliding after a third-down run, a decision that drew praise from teammates and coaches. The slide, which occurred near the sideline where the defense was positioned, marked a shift from his earlier approach during his rookie season, when his reluctance to get down often led to repeated concussion evaluations. The Giants’ defense responded enthusiastically to the play, with outside linebacker Brian Burns expressing relief that Dart had finally adopted the technique. “We’ve been begging him to do that for a while,” Burns said. “So, I’m glad that he’s starting to practice it.” Coach John Harbaugh also commended the move, applauding Dart’s execution during the drill. “I did,” Harbaugh said. “I clapped. I applauded. It was great.” This moment highlighted a broader change in Dart’s mindset, as he had previously resisted sliding or running out of bounds to avoid tackles. Last season, his aggressive style of play became a focal point of criticism, overshadowing his on-field contributions. Former NFL coach Jon Gruden had warned on a Barstool Sports podcast that Dart’s approach could lead to frequent medical evaluations if not adjusted. His concerns proved valid, as Dart was checked for concussions on five separate occasions during his rookie year with the Giants. The shift in Dart’s behavior appears to stem from conversations with new quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan, who reviewed game footage with him earlier this year. The session focused on the risks of his previous approach and the importance of staying on the field.#new_york_giants #john_harbaugh #jaxson_dart #brian_burns #brian_callahan
Giants Players Dismiss Locker Room Rift Rumors After QB Introduces Trump at Rally New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter and quarterback Jaxson Dart have publicly refuted rumors of internal division within the team following Dart’s controversial appearance at a political event. The incident unfolded after Dart, the Giants’ second-year starter, introduced former President Donald Trump at a pep rally for New York Rep. Mike Lawler in Suffern, New York, on Friday. The event, held at Rockland Community College, was part of Lawler’s campaign to secure reelection in a suburban area northwest of New York City. Dart’s introduction of Trump, which included a chant of “Go Big Blue” with the crowd, sparked immediate backlash from some teammates. Carter, a second-year outside linebacker, initially mocked the situation on social media, writing, “Thought this s--- was AI, what we doing man,” before later clarifying, “Me and JD6 are good! We spoke earlier as Men,” in response to ongoing speculation about locker room tensions. Carter’s comments were met with mixed reactions, with some fans and analysts questioning the validity of the rumors. The controversy extended beyond Carter. Wide receiver Darius Slayton addressed a false claim that Dart had made a racist comment in the past, while offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor dismissed reports suggesting Dart’s political views were causing division. Eluemunor tweeted, “Locker Room is fine. Focus on New England,” a reference to the team’s upcoming season opener against the New England Patriots. The Giants’ offseason program, which had just concluded its first three voluntary organized team activities (OTAs), is currently in Phase 3 of its preparation.#new_york_giants #jaxson_dart #abud_carter #mike_lawler #rockland_community_college
Athletes, Celebrities Show Out For Jazz-Nuggets Game In Salt Lake City Salt Lake City — As the Utah Jazz faced the Denver Nuggets at the Delta Center on Monday, a group of high-profile athletes and celebrities turned out to watch the action unfold. The event drew a mix of Olympic champions, a Hall of Famer, and a rising NFL star, creating a lively atmosphere inside the arena. Among the standout attendees were Olympic gold medalists Kaila Kuhn and Quinn Dehlinger, who were spotted in the crowd. Kuhn, a Park City native, recently earned her gold medal with Team USA in the mixed team aerials event at the Milano Cortina Games, which took place just over two weeks prior. Dehlinger, also part of the U.S. team, had to withdraw from some events after reaggravating a knee injury during the competition. Both athletes were highlighted on the arena’s Jumbotron during the first quarter of the game, drawing cheers from fans. The celebration continued with the appearance of Dwyane Wade, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and part-owner of the Utah Jazz. Wade, known for his storied NBA career, made an unexpected visit to the game, adding to the star power in the crowd. His presence was announced via social media, with fans expressing excitement over his return to the venue. Another notable figure in attendance was Jaxson Dart, the quarterback for the New York Giants. Dart, who was born in Utah and played high school football at Corner Canyon, was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His professional journey has already made waves, as he stepped into the starting role for the Giants in his rookie season. The Giants’ social media team praised his performance, highlighting his connection to Utah and his progress in the league.#utah_jazz #kaila_kuhn #quinn_dehlinger #dwyane_wade #jaxson_dart
