Eli Manning reveals unbelievable request Jaxson Dart made in New York restaurant and why he said no

Eli Manning shared a story in September 2025. He told it on The Schrager Hour podcast. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had called him. Dart asked Manning to book a table at 4 Charles Prime Rib.

The Manhattan steakhouse is one of the hardest places to get into. Manning had offered to guide Dart about football and life in New Jersey. But he made one thing clear. He was not going to be his “reservation guy.”

Eli Manning makes his role clear to Jaxson Dart

Eli Manning and Jaxson Dart share the same college roots at Ole Miss. Manning felt it was his duty to help the rookie settle in with the Giants. He said, “If you have questions about anything, I’m here for you, football, housing, even traffic in New Jersey.”

But Dart surprised him. He asked, “Can you get me a reservation at 4 Charles tonight at 6:30?” Manning said he was shocked. He quickly refused. “No, no, no. That’s not part of the deal. I’m not your reservations guy. You have to earn the right to call and get your reservation.”The restaurant is in West Village, Manhattan. Its reservations are so rare that people pay money just to get one. In 2024, a private broker told Daily Mail that stars and executives paid $500 to $1,000 per slot.

The restaurant later banned resales on apps like Resy.

Jaxson Dart’s rookie path with Russell Wilson and the Giants

Jaxson Dart is 22 years old. He was drafted by the Giants in the first round in April 2025. He now sits behind veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. The Giants have started the season 0-2. Still, Wilson impressed in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in an overtime loss.Also Read: Travis Hunter’s father confesses what no one knew before son joined Deion Sanders at Jackson StateEli Manning knows what that feels like. In 2004, he sat behind Kurt Warner after being traded from the San Diego Chargers.

Fans wanted him on the field right away. Coach Tom Coughlin gave in, but Manning struggled badly. He completed less than half his passes and threw nine interceptions.Coach Brian Daboll praised Dart this month. He said, “He spends a lot of time after practice going through things to prepare himself if he gets called upon.” Manning’s story shows he is ready to mentor Dart. But he wants the rookie to earn things the hard way, on and off the field.