Michael Strahan Pushes Back on Criticism of Giants Rookie Jaxson Dart
Michael Strahan, one of the most respected players in New York Giants history, openly supported rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart after former Giants quarterback and current analyst Danny Kanell made harsh comments that sparked a debate about the team’s future at the position. The argument made it clear that there is a clear difference between former teammates and brought up the question of how rookie quarterbacks are rated in the NFL these days.
Strahan made it clear on Sunday that he was responding to Kanell’s earlier comments on FOX Sports that asked if Dart has done enough to be the Giants’ long-term quarterback. Kanell, who the Giants drafted in 1996 and eventually became a TV analyst, stated that the team might be able to move on from Dart even if he was picked 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. His primary issue was whether Dart has gotten better at throwing the ball and whether he matches the usual standards for a first-round franchise quarterback.
Strahan, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and has the most sacks in Giants history with 141.5, didn’t hold back. Strahan, who used to play with Kanell, remarked that the criticism was inconsistent, even though he knew Kanell. He added that Kanell got a new deal after only a few good games in his career. A lot of people thought Strahan was asking for understanding, especially when it came to judging a rookie quarterback who is still getting adjusted to the pros.
Kanell’s time with the Giants adds extra depth to the conversation. He was taken in the fourth round and played in 20 games over three seasons in New York, but he was never able to prove himself as the team’s long-term quarterback. He played in the NFL for a short time with the Atlanta Falcons and the Denver Broncos. He played his last game not long before he turned 30. Kanell has kept talking about how quarterbacks get better, even though he has been one. This includes his current review of Dart.
Kanell noted on CBS Sports earlier this week that first-round quarterbacks are normally expected to be the major players on their teams for ten years. He said he was afraid that Dart had relied too much on his running talents and wanted to see him get better at throwing from the pocket. Kanell says he doesn’t know what the next step is yet, which makes him worry what Dart’s long-term role with the squad will be.
Dart’s close friends and family did not overlook what people said about him. Brandon Dart, Dart’s dad, was quite angry on social media and sent Kanell a direct message. The comment added to the public discourse and demonstrated how closely both fans and the media are following Dart’s early career.
Dart’s first year on the field was full with obstacles and possibilities. The Giants finished the year with a 4–13 record, and Dart started four of those games. The season finished on a high note with a 34–17 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Dart scored 24 touchdowns on his own, nine of which were rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, which was a franchise record. This means that he can do two things well.
Strahan’s support of Dart reveals how many former players feel: they know how hard it is to lead an NFL team and how much they still have to learn. His opinions suggest that making rapid decisions might not take into account how things really are, especially for a rookie attempting to make it in a tough market like New York with a roster that is still being rebuilt.
As the Giants look to the future, the talk about Jaxson Dart is certain to continue. Kanell and other analysts look at long-term expectations and typical quarterback stats, but Strahan and others stress the need for patience, context, and improvement. We have enough to talk about from Dart’s first season, but not enough to know for sure what will happen next. Strahan’s statements make it sound like the choice might take longer than one season.
Sources:
FOX Sports
CBS Sports
