Meet Jaxson Dart: The New Face of the Giants
Jaxson Dart, the rookie quarterback for the New York Giants, is set to make his starting debut sooner than anticipated. The 22-year-old from Kaysville, Utah, has quickly risen through the ranks, transitioning from a standout at the University of Southern California to a dynamic player at Ole Miss.
Drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Dart is stepping in as the Giants' starter in Week 4, taking over for veteran Russell Wilson after the team’s disappointing 0-3 start. His first game will be against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 28, marking a significant moment for both Dart and the franchise.
Born in 2003, Dart's journey began at Corner Canyon High School, where he threw for over 4,600 yards and 67 touchdowns during his senior year. This performance earned him the title of Gatorade Football Player of the Year and made him one of the most coveted recruits nationwide.
His college career kicked off at USC, where he showcased glimpses of his potential before transferring to Ole Miss. Under head coach Lane Kiffin, Dart flourished, amassing over 11,000 passing yards and 81 touchdowns, along with more than 1,500 rushing yards. His impressive stats solidified his status as a first-round pick.
Even amidst the pressures of NFL preparation, Dart finds time for leisure. In an exclusive interview, he revealed his fondness for reality TV, particularly "The Bachelor," although he expressed disappointment with its latest lead. “I’m out on Grant,” Dart stated candidly. “I thought Litia was going to run away with it.” He also enjoys "Love Island," dismissing any notion of it being a guilty pleasure.
Despite his Utah roots, Dart has steered clear of shows like "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City." “I don’t watch any of that other stuff,” he remarked. His popularity among fans was evident during the Giants’ Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs when chants of “We want Jaxson!” echoed throughout MetLife Stadium.
Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka expressed confidence in Dart’s readiness for this new role. “Jaxson has a lot of confidence, and I think that’s good,” Kafka noted. “Swagger, confidence—that’s what you want in a quarterback room.” The excitement surrounding Dart’s promotion has fans eager to see how he will perform on the field.
Dart has also formed a meaningful connection with the Manning family, who have been instrumental in his development. In a January interview, he shared how their support has impacted his life. “They were one of the first families to reach out to me,” he said. “Doing different events with them and going to the Manning Camp was an amazing experience.”
Eli Manning has offered guidance to Dart as he navigates both football and life decisions. “If you have questions about anything, I’m here for you,” Eli recalled during a podcast appearance. Their relationship has blossomed into a mentorship that extends beyond the field.
One of the standout moments from the 2025 NFL Draft was not just Dart being selected but also his mother, Kara Dart, proudly by his side. She has been a constant source of support throughout his journey, instilling in him the importance of mental toughness. “You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable,” she emphasized in an interview.
Kara's influence extends into Jaxson's personal style as well. He credits her with helping him navigate fashion choices. “My mom’s into it,” he explained. “She worked at Nordstrom growing up, so she’s always been a part of it.”
From resilience lessons to fashion advice, Kara has played a pivotal role in Jaxson's transition from a small-town athlete to a first-round NFL quarterback.
