New York Giants teammates Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter have publicly ended their locker-room rift over last week’s Donald Trump controversy.
After angering Carter by introducing the President at a Republican rally near the city, Dart struck a unifying tone with reporters at the Giants practice facility on Friday.
‘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,’ Dart said in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the Giants are currently going through organized team activities (OTAs).
Carter previously called Dart out on social media for his decision to introduce Trump at a rally in Suffern, New York in support of Mike Lawler’s congressional re-election campaign. But on Friday, the second-year edge rusher took a more diplomatic approach when discussing the issue with reporters.
Asked if Dart offered an apology, Carter insisted there is no need for him to do so: ‘I don’t want him to say he’s sorry. Stand on what you believe in, but it can’t be a problem if I stand on what I believe in. As long as we have that understanding, it’s all good.’
For his part, Dart did not apologize on Friday, but instead tabled his decision to introduce Trump as a matter of patriotism.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart shakes hands with Trump at a rally in Suffern, New York
Abdul Carter was picked third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, but struggled some as a rookie
‘Obviously, this was a unique opportunity, being asked and given the opportunity to introduce the President of the United States,’ Dart said. ‘My thinking was pretty simple… 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 I even have a great grandfather who served as Secretary of Treasury at some point.’
It’s unclear which former Treasury Secretary is related to Dart, but Richard Nixon appointee David M. Kennedy did hail from the quarterback’s home state of Utah.
Regardless, Dart’s point was that he felt compelled to attend the rally and introduce Trump out of a patriotic obligation.
‘So the president position has always been a position that I’ve well respected, regardless of political affiliation, regardless of political party and my intentions were just that,’ he continued.
Likewise, Carter defended his actions on Friday by stressing his rejection of Trump and the MAGA movement, while maintaining a respectful tone with regards to Dart.
‘Jaxson is one of our leaders,’ Carter said. ‘He’s the face of our franchise. He not only represents himself and what he does, but he represents all of us and that goes for anybody who wears a Giants uniform.
‘But if he chooses to align himself with a man like President Trump, it’s my responsibility based on what I believe and what I stand on to not only show my teammates that I’m against that — but to show the world.’
