Jaxson Dart is currently the quarterback of the New York Giants. Could politics be in his future?
The rising star is no stranger to performing in front of New York crowds, but May 22 wasn’t your classic NFL game. Instead, the quarterback that plays for “Big Blue” was on the red team, introducing President Donald Trump at a campaign-style rally for Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in Suffern, New York.
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Dart opened the event for Trump, walking out on stage to deliver some opening remarks. With “Eye of the Tiger” playing in the background, Dart played to the crowd.
“Big Blue nation, it’s a pleasure to be here,” Dart said, encouraging the crowd to join him in a Giants chant. “What an honor, what a privilege it is to be here and, without further ado, I’m grateful, I’m honored, I’m pleasured to introduce the 45th and 47th president of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump.”
Trump emerged from behind the curtain and took the stage, where he gave the quarterback a handshake before Dart exited the stage.
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“I want to thank Jaxson Dart,” Trump said. “This is going to be a future Hall of Famer in my book. Thank you, thank you Jaxson. Lot of talent.”
The president later proceeded to call Dart a “beautiful guy” with “legs like tree trunks.”
While talking about his policy ideas, Trump routinely brought Dart into the discussion.
“I’m looking at Jaxson,” Trump said. “I’d like to know, is there any woman in the audience that thinks they can tackle that guy? Because I’d like to meet you. I’d like to shake your hand. I don’t know. Jaxson, you think you can play against women OK?”
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“Don’t get involved Jaxson,” Trump added. “Don’t answer that question.”
Dart had not previously declared himself a Trump supporter and the cameras didn’t pan to the quarterback to see his reaction during these exchanges.
President Donald Trump is welcomed by New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart before delivering a speech at Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern, New York, on May 22.
While his presence at the event is sure to ruffle some feathers, the Giants are eager to see the quarterback on a different stage this fall. Dart is heading into his second NFL season after a promising rookie campaign that saw him start 12 games.
Dart finished the year with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, but also added nine rushing touchdowns of his own. Combined with a new head coach, John Harbaugh, the Giants and their fans feel there is reason for optimism.
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Maybe the quarterback does eventually pivot to politics. For now, he’ll hope there are plenty of successful years on the football field to come.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jaxson Dart introduces Trump at New York rally for Rep. Mike Lawler
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