A public feud has erupted over the future of New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, with a former player accusing the 22-year-old's father of harmful interference. Retired Giants quarterback and current CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell has branded Brandon Dart a "helicopter dad" who is "messing and meddling" in his son's professional business.
Online Spat Sparks Heated Exchange
The controversy ignited following the Giants' convincing 34-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. After reports surfaced that the Giants might consider drafting a new quarterback in 2026, Kanell expressed doubts about Jaxson Dart being the team's long-term solution. In response, Brandon Dart, 53, took to social media platform X with a crude retort: "Bro, Eat a Fat One."
Kanell, 52, fired back during an appearance on VT Sports the following Monday. "Told ya we got a big fat one lined up for ya," he said, before launching into a critique of the father's behaviour. He argued that Brandon Dart's habit of "calling out officials, calling out other analysts" online attracts negative attention rather than supporting his son.
Kanell's Warning: 'Let His Play Do the Talking'
The former Florida State star, who started for the Giants in 1997, elaborated on his concerns in comments reported by the New York Post. "I don't know why you're messing and meddling in your son's business," Kanell stated. He emphasised that such actions create a target on the young quarterback's back, potentially turning critics against him.
Kanell advised a hands-off approach: "Just let him go be him. You don't have to come to your son's rescue... Let his play do the talking and it will all be fine." He suggested the father's documented involvement in Jaxson's life was now becoming a professional liability.
Doubt Cast on Dart's Giants Future
The core of the debate stems from uncertainty surrounding Dart's position. Despite Sunday's win, a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport suggested the Giants would contemplate selecting Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza if they held the first pick in the 2026 Draft. While the win makes that top pick unlikely, the speculation itself hints at internal questions.
Kanell, analysing the rookie's season, pointed to a lack of development as a passer. "I still haven't seen development as a passer," he noted, highlighting the team's continued reliance on designed running plays for Dart. Jaxson Dart currently holds a 3-8 record as a starter for the Giants.
Despite the external noise, Dart himself projected confidence after the Raiders game. "I'm going to continue to play my ball," he told reporters. "I know I'm going to be here for a very long time." He pointed to a promising rookie class and a bright future for the franchise.
The quarterback, drafted in the first round of the 2025 Draft from Ole Miss, took over from Russell Wilson in Week 4. He has posted respectable rookie numbers, throwing for 13 touchdowns against just five interceptions with a 63.2% completion rate, despite significant injuries to key offensive players like receiver Malik Nabers.
