New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart bears a full name that sounds like a children’s book title — or maybe even caveman speak.
While Jaxson Chase Dart entered OTAs knowing his first NFL season would be a developmental one, linebacker Brian Burns made sure to remind him of that reality by chasing him down during Giants practice.
“He had a read-option play and just, you know, his ability to come back and chase me down was kind of crazy,” Dart said.
New York saw plenty of that from its offense during a frustrating 2024 season, paving the way for the team to draft Dart out of Ole Miss with the No. 25 pick. But first things first. Dart is looking to learn by watching veteran Russell Wilson and backup Jameis Winston, then eventually take the reins in 2026.
Dart recently held a platform that begged for a bold statement — a chance to make waves with his words before proving what his right arm and legs could do. Instead, he revealed his character and self-awareness during Friday’s YES Network broadcast of the New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox game. There were no boastful claims about winning a position battle from a room of cut-rate vets. Just respect for Wilson, Winston, Tommy DeVito and the rest of a Giants quarterback room loaded with experience and poise.
"Russ winning the Super Bowl, and, you know, to kind of pick their brains each and every day has been awesome for me, especially for how young I am,” Dart said. “But I think that my focus right now is to try to develop each and every day and do whatever I can to make the team better, and I just want to win.
“I can't stand losing, and I'm gonna do whatever it takes to not let that happen. So, whatever my role is, I'm gonna play the best way that I can."
Wilson, 36, signed a one-year deal with the Giants after sharing starts with Justin Fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. The Steelers finished 10-7 and made the playoffs, though Wilson looked lost at times during an AFC wild-card loss at Baltimore.
A run to the NFC playoffs would be a long shot for the 2025 Giants. Still, with a retooled running game and a star receiver in Malik Nabers — plus a defense with some bite — there’s at least a chance for Wilson to show he still has starting-caliber stuff while grooming the guy who hopes to take his job.
“Yeah, Jaxson’s been great, man,” Wilson said. “He’s a great worker, great teammate. We’re having fun, all of us.
“We have a good quarterback room. Guys are so focused and working diligently every day. He’s going to be an extremely, extremely good talent and everything else throughout his career.”
For now, though, Dart is wrapping up his first OTAs with a clear pulse on his situation.
He also shared during the YES broadcast the story of how Derek Jeter became his favorite athlete growing up. What he didn’t do was suggest he’d follow Jeter’s path and help New York win a championship as a rookie.
A wise move.