Jaxson Dart has taken numerous big hits throughout his rookie season despite starting only eight games, but don't expect him to alter his aggressive playing style as he continues to gain experience.
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As the Giants quarterback told reporters after a 33-15 loss, these hits are just part of the NFL. This includes one from Patriots defender Christian Elliss that sent him into the bench area and sparked a fight.
What happened after Patriots LB Christian Elliss hit Jaxson Dart:
pic.twitter.com/WWDuc95LrX— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2025
"Look, like, I understand the question, but this is football," Dart told reporters after the game. "Like, I'm going to get hit if I'm in the pocket or outside the pocket. I feel like I played this way my whole entire life.
"It shouldn't be any shocker to anybody if you followed along with my career. We're not playing soccer out here. You're going to get hit. Things happen. It's just part of the game."
When pressed for further comments, Dart shut down the notion that this hit from Elliss in the first quarter caused him to think twice about running even if opportunities arose.
"No, it didn't hurt, so that didn't play into any thought in my mind," Dart added.
The rookie quarterback has rushed 61 times this season while appearing in 10 games. He has gained 337 yards and scored seven touchdowns.
Welcome to the end zone, Jaxson Dart. pic.twitter.com/ZFqI8ljNap
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2025
These running plays have delivered some highlight-reel moments, kept drives alive, and sparked excitement among Giants fans.
They have also led to him making multiple visits to the blue tent to be tested for a concussion. He also missed games against the Lions and Packers due to concussion-like symptoms.
The play that led to the missed time is one that Dart calls a fluke. He said that he didn't brace himself as he was falling; his focus remained on re-catching the ball.
"Like I said, I played like this my whole life," Dart added. "Turn on my high school tape, turn on my college tape, it's not a shocker to anybody. It's how I've played.
"I felt like if you just watch the game, like, I did slide. I did avoid a lot of hits, so you're going to get hit. It's football."
To the rookie's point, one big hit came at the end of a rushing play as he slid. Linebacker Harold Landry dove in and hit Dart in the head and neck area as he was sliding.
Dart will continue to run the ball, and he will take the big hits. He will also continue to grow as a passer as he gains more experience facing off with NFL defenses.
Just don't expect him to grow into "a complete pocket passer" as he says. Dart says he doesn't want to play the game this way. He feels that his legs give him an advantage, and he will continue to use this while pursuing wins.
