Jaxson Dart spoke for the first time since the New York Giants fired Brian Daboll.
New York Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart spoke to reporters on Friday for the first time since Brian Daboll was fired as head coach.
Dart, who has a close relationship with Daboll, was sad to see his first coach in the NFL go.
"I have all the respect in the world for him. He's an incredible offensive mind. He's done an amazing job developing me up until this point, and you know, this business is a beast," Dart said. "Give a shout to coach Shane [Bowen] as well. We just weren't able to get enough wins for them. But at the same time, got a lot of respect for them.
"And Coach [Daboll], who knows if I'm here without him. So I have all the respect for him and love for him."
Against the Chicago Bears in Week 10, Dart was checked for a concussion for the fourth time this season, including the preseason. He didn't play in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers or Week 12 against the Detroit Lions.
New York fired Daboll after the Chicago game, and according to NFL insider Jordan Raanan of ESPN, Daboll's reckless approach with Dart played a role in him losing his job.
"Moving forward, I have to be more available for this team," Dart said. "This is obviously on the forefront of my mind moving forward. ... I'm still getting used to this game. I'm getting used to this speed, this level.
"In college, you can watch my tape, I very rarely slid. This is a different beast. For me, I have to obviously be more responsible when I'm in the open field. But I felt I was getting better at it each and every week."
New York already lost rookie stud Cam Skattebo to a season-ending injury. The last thing they need is for Dart to get hurt as well.
With that said, it will be fascinating to see if Dart protects himself more under interim head coach Mike Kafka.
The Giants will miss the playoffs again this season, but at least they won't need to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dart has thrown for 1,417 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions and rushed for 317 yards and seven touchdowns this season.