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A former NFL star has weighed in on New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart’s introduction of President Donald Trump, which sparked some controversy after his teammate, Abdul Carter, publicly ridiculed the action from his signal call.
Dez Bryant, the All-Pro wide receiver who spent the majority of his nine-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, himself took to social media to say he doesn’t get “the hate” Dart got for introducing Trump at a rally last week.
“I really don’t understand the hate Jaxon [sic] Dart got to introduce President Trump. Good or bad..if you support Trump or not..you are in a lose-lose situation,” Bryant wrote on X. “Politics and religion are hard on sports. People have the right to believe what they want.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant runs with the football during an NFL game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 19. (Albert Pena/Icon Sportswire)
“I don’t know..I just live by a code..As long as it doesn’t disturb my s—..do what you want because you have to take whatever you got with God. I’m too much of a sinner to be judgmental and political.”
Dart, Carter, head coach John Harbaugh and backup quarterback Jameis Winston all addressed the situation Friday, with Dart and Carter embracing each other as they switched places at the podium.
The Giants wanted to show there was no animosity in the locker room, but both Dart and Carter stood their ground.
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“Some things are bigger than football, and this is one of those things,” Carter told reporters at the team’s practice facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. “Jaxson is one of our leaders. 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 anyone 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 or what I stand for, not only to show my teammates that I’m against it, but to show the world.”
Dart began his time with reporters saying he was preparing a statement and hoped to talk football forward.
“This was a unique opportunity, you know, to be asked and given the opportunity to introduce the president of the United States,” Dart said. “My thinking was pretty simple in the fact that I’ve always loved this country. I have extended family members who have fought wars. I have two uncles who retired from the Air Force Academy and served themselves. And I even have a great-grandfather who at one time served as Secretary of the Treasury.
(Left) New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) works out before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Dec. 21, 2025. (Right) Abdul Carter (51) of the New York Giants looks on from the sideline prior to an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, New Jersey, Oct. 9 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. 2025. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images; Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
“So the presidency has always been a position that I’ve respected well, regardless of political affiliation, regardless of political party, and you know, my intentions were just that.”
Carter added that while he believes he had to speak up, “it doesn’t mean me and Jaxson hate each other or that we have beef.” He pointed out how they sit next to each other every day during team meetings where they talk the whole time.
“I don’t want him to say he’s sorry. Stand up for what you believe in,” Carter said.
Dart added: “We just talked. You know, me and Abdul came here at the same time. We shared a lot of very similar experiences. We’ve been through adversity throughout a season and had to have each other’s backs, and that’s exactly what we continued to do today. … Me and him are one of the closer guys on the team with each other. So you know I’ve had a lot of conversations with my brother. a brother to him and ultimately we’re going to be the best people and players for each other.”
Winston, who serves as the veteran voice of wisdom in the locker room as well as a solid backup option at quarterback, said he was “proud” of both Dart and Carter for talking to each other as well as reporters.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart greets President Donald Trump during a Fighting For American Workers event in Suffern, NY on May 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)
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“I’m proud of our team for understanding that we don’t have to pick sides in this,” he said.
Harbaugh echoed Winston’s proud sentiment, believing his new team will be better because of the situation.
“We’re in a good place now and we’re moving forward,” he said.
