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A former NFL star has spoken out about New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart’s presentation of President Donald Trump, which sparked some controversy after his teammate, Abdul Carter, publicly ridiculed the caller’s decision.
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 didn’t feel “the hate” Dart got for introducing Trump at a rally last week.
“I really don’t understand Jaxon’s hatred [sic] Dart was obtained for introducing President Trump. Good or bad…if you support Trump or not…you’re in a lose-lose situation, Bryant wrote on X. “Politics and religion are difficult for sports. People have the right to believe whatever they want.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant runs with the ball during an NFL game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, October 19. (Albert Pena/Icon Sportswire)
“I don’t know… I just live by a code… As long as it doesn’t interfere with my bullshit… do what you want because you have to accept everything you have with God. I’m too sinful to be judgmental and political.”
Dart, Carter, head coach John Harbaugh and backup quarterback Jameis Winston all spoke about the situation Friday, with Dart and Carter embracing as they changed places at the podium.
The Giants wanted to show there was no animosity in the locker room, but Dart and Carter stood their ground.
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“Some things are bigger than football, and this is one of them,” Carter told reporters at the team’s practice facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. “Jaxson is one of our leaders. He is 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 on, to not only show my teammates that I’m against that, but to show the world.”
Dart began his time with reporters saying he had prepared a statement and hoped to talk about football in the future.
“It was a unique opportunity, you know, to be invited and to be able to introduce the President of the United States,” Dart said. “My thinking was pretty simple: You know, I’ve always loved this country. I have extended family members who have been in war. I have two uncles who retired from the Air Force Academy and served themselves. And I even have a great-grandfather who was Secretary of the Treasury at one time.
(Left) New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) practices before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on December 21, 2025. (Right) Abdul Carter (51) of the New York Giants watches from the field before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 9, 2025. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images; Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
“So the position of president has always been a position that I have greatly respected, regardless of political affiliation, regardless of political party and, you know, my intentions were exactly that.”
Carter added that while he felt he needed to speak out, “that doesn’t mean Jaxson and I hate each other or that we have beef.” He pointed out that they sit next to each other daily in team meetings, where they talk all the time.
“I don’t want him to say he’s sorry. Stay true to what you believe in,” Carter said.
Dart added: “We just talked. You know, Abdul and I came here at the same time. We shared a lot of very similar experiences. We had adversity throughout a season and had to support each other and that’s exactly what we continued to do today. … Me and him are one of the closest guys on the team. So, you know, we had a lot of conversations. And he’s my brother, I know I’m a brother to him, and, at the end of the day, we want to be the best players and people for each other.”
Winston, who is the veteran’s wise voice in the locker room as well as a solid backup option at quarterback, said he was “proud” of Dart and Carter for speaking with each other as well as with reporters.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart greets President Donald Trump during a Fighting For American Workers event in Suffern, NY, 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 choose a side in this matter,” he said.
Harbaugh echoed Winston’s proud mindset, believing his new team will be better because of the situation.
“We are in a good position now and moving forward,” he said.
