Phil Simms still believes Jaxson Dart has the talent to become a star, but the Giants legend thinks the young quarterback needs a quieter offseason in New York.
Dart has been in the headlines for reasons beyond football, first for his appearance with Donald Trump and then for a private-jet trip to watch the Knicks during Giants OTAs.
That combination is why Simms’ warning landed. In New York, every extra headline can turn into a problem if the quarterback does not win quickly enough.
Phil Simms warns Jaxson Dart after Donald Trump controversy
Speaking on Up & Adams, Simms said he would not have wanted Dart flying out to Knicks Game 1 while Giants OTAs were still ongoing.
“Listen, it’s the offseason. There are still OTAs, but I would not want him to go.”
“Just calm it down,” he added. “If you are out there too much, when anything goes wrong, that’s what they’re gonna jump on.”
That was the real point. Simms was not saying Dart missed work or broke a rule. The issue was the amount of attention around a second-year quarterback still trying to establish himself.
Dart had already faced scrutiny after introducing Trump at a New York event, later clarifying that he was respecting the office rather than making a political statement.
Jaxson Dart Knicks trip adds to Giants spotlight
The Knicks trip added another layer because Dart reportedly flew with Odell Beckham Jr. and other Giants figures to San Antonio after practice.
The group returned in time for team work, but Simms viewed the optics through an older Giants lens shaped by Bill Parcells and constant accountability.
He said Parcells would have pulled him into the office if he had taken a private plane to watch a playoff game during team activities.
Simms also made it clear that he likes Dart’s talent. He said he studied the quarterback closely and believes Dart has superstar qualities because of his arm, size and running ability.
That is what makes the advice valuable. Simms is not telling Dart to lose confidence or personality, he is telling him that in New York, the safest way to control the story is to make football the loudest part of it.
For Dart, that is the real challenge now. The Giants want his confidence and edge, but the city will judge every public moment through the scoreboard once the season starts.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
