New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart addressed the media following OTA practice on Friday, breaking his silence on the controversy surrounding his introduction of President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Suffern, New York, on May 22.
Dart, who told the crowd “Big Blue Nation, it’s a pleasure to be here” before presenting Trump as the “45th and 47th President,” faced mixed reactions and internal questions from teammates, including edge rusher Abdul Carter.
In his statement, Dart emphasized his respect for all teammates regardless of political views and highlighted the strong brotherhood within the locker room. He noted productive private conversations, including with Carter, whom he called a brother, stressing the need for trust among players on the field.
“Obviously, this was a unique opportunity, being asked and given the opportunity to introduce the President of the United States. My thinking was pretty simple in the fact of I’ve always loved this country. I have extended family members who have fought in wars. I have two uncles who have retired from the Air Force Academy and served themselves. I even have a great-grandfather who served as the Secretary of the Treasury at some point,” Dart said.
“The President position has always been a position that I’ve respected, regardless of political affiliation, regardless of political party. My intentions were just that. I also understand in this world, politics can be a sensitive matter, a sensitive topic. I also understand that I am the quarterback of the New York Giants, and that involves a lot of responsibility. I’m under a microscope, and there’s a lot that comes with it, and it’s something that I’ve embraced.
Dart continues by expressing an admiration for his teammates, regardless of political or religious affiliation.
“Most importantly, I can honestly say that I love every single one of my brothers, my teammates on this team, regardless of politics, regardless of religious beliefs, regardless of anything that may be different between us. I love them, and they know exactly what kind of person that I am who comes into the facility every day and who lays — I’ll lay my body on the line for my guys each and every week. It’s from the connections that we’ve built, the love that we have for each other,” he said.
“I’ve been somebody who’s always respected the different perspectives that people may have, the backgrounds they come from. I understand that we have such a cool opportunity as people to be in the locker room where it’s a melting pot of people from everywhere, and we get to be together. I think that the connections that we build are special because we’re able to have vulnerable conversations. We’re able to learn from each other, to support each other, irrespective of the color of our skin. We have a real brotherhood.”
The second-year quarterback addressed the team earlier in the week, helping to resolve tensions. Head coach John Harbaugh expressed pride in how the players handled the situation maturely.
Dart indicated the matter is now behind the team as they focus on football preparations.
President Trump also commented positively on Dart’s potential amid the discussion.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ Jaxson Dart breaks silence on President Trump introduction
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
