Eli Manning on the cost of athlete political activism

Dart found himself at the center of a firestorm after introducing Donald Trump at a rally near New York City. The 23-year-old’s public endorsement triggered immediate friction within the locker room, drawing direct criticism from teammate Abdul Carter. The intensity of the subsequent backlash forced Dart to disable comments on his Instagram account to manage the digital fallout.

Addressing the situation, Manning noted that while personal expression is permissible, the professional environment remains sensitive to such displays. Dart eventually sought to mend fences, reportedly speaking with his teammates to clarify his position. In a statement released Friday, the quarterback affirmed his commitment to his squad, insisting that his political alignment does not diminish his regard for those playing alongside him.