LOCALS IN THE NFL

Future HOF QB Eli Manning Happy To Offer Advice If Jaxson Dart Asks

Jun 4, 2025, 4:11 PM | Updated: Jun 5, 2025, 10:33 am

Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants...

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants during rookie minicamp at NY Giants Quest Diagnostics Training Center on May 09, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

(Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY – Following in the footsteps of future Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Eli Manning is nothing new for Jaxson Dart. From college to the pros, Dart and Manning already share an Alma Mater and first-round draft status.

Long before the New York Giants traded up to grab Dart with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Kaysville, Utah, native was drawing comparisons to Manning as a star quarterback at Ole Miss.

“I’ve been to some practices, and I’ve known Jaxson for the last three years, since he’s been at Ole Miss and gotten to watch his career,” Manning told CBS Sports at an EA Sports Madden 26 launch event on May 30, 2025.

RELATED: Giants Officially Sign QB Jaxson Dart To Four-Year Fully Guaranteed Contract

“So I’ve been just impressed with Jaxson, because I’ve seen him get better every single year,” Manning continued. “And that’s what you want your players to do, to make improvements — even though you’re playing well, not being content and wanting to make those improvements every day.”

Manning is well-versed in the complexities of the NFL, navigating the always-tough New York media, and leading a team at the sport’s most crucial position.

RELATED: Ole Miss To New York: Eli Manning Congratulates Jaxson Dart

“I’ve told him, Hey, I’m here to help in any way. I’m a phone call away, a text away, but I’m not getting in the way. You got to figure out, this is your journey, this is your deal. But if there’s anything you need, happy to be here.” Manning said.

Manning realizes the mistakes and learning experiences will come, but it’s how the former Corner Canyon QB manages highs and lows that will determine how successful he can be.

“Every day, you’re going to learn something, and you’re going to make mistakes,” Manning cautioned. “That’s just part of it, but learning from those mistakes, not repeating those mistakes, and seems like he’s just trying to be there, earn the respect of his teammates and his coaches through his hard work.”

With a two-time Super Bowl champion in his corner, Dart is off to a fast start in the Big Apple.

About #LocalsInTheNFL

For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.

Whether they attended Utah or BYU, or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you up to date on how the locals are performing on the highest stage.

From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24. 

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Future HOF QB Eli Manning Happy To Offer Advice If Jaxson Dart Asks