Giants QB Jaxson Dart opens up about possibly playing as a linebacker in the NFL

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has never shied away from contact. After a rookie season filled with big plays, heavy hits and multiple concussion evaluations, the 25-year-old recently made a surprising revelation that his first college offer was not to play quarterback, but linebacker.Speaking on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast, Dart shared that the University of Utah initially recruited him as a defensive player. “Funny story, my first college offer was to play at the University of Utah as a linebacker,” Dart said. When asked how far he could have gone in that role, he confidently replied, “I mean, I’m confident in myself. I feel like I could’ve done it.”The comment quickly grabbed attention, especially considering Dart’s aggressive playing style in the NFL.

A quarterback with a linebacker’s mindset

Dart began his college career at USC in 2021 before transferring to Ole Miss, where he developed into one of the nation’s most productive dual-threat quarterbacks. His ability to extend plays with his legs became a defining trait, and that style carried over after the Giants selected him with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.His rookie campaign was a mix of promise and concern. He threw for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding nearly 500 rushing yards and nine rushing scores.

However, his physical approach led to repeated big hits. He was evaluated for concussions multiple times during the season and missed games due to confirmed injuries.

Despite the risks, Dart has made it clear he has no intention of changing his mentality. “In crucial situations, I promise I’m not gonna be the one that’s gonna slide before that first down,” he said in the same interview. “I’m gonna give it everything I got.”That fearless approach may partly explain why he once envisioned himself playing in the box as a linebacker. In high school, Dart played on both sides of the ball and showed flashes defensively. While quarterback was always his primary path, the defensive background appears to have shaped his physical identity.

What does this mean for his future?

Dart is now in his second NFL season with head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh has dealt with mobile quarterbacks before and knows how to create an offense around that skill set.

Still, the balance between toughness and longevity remains a key storyline. Playing with linebacker-like aggression as a quarterback can energize teammates and fans, but it also increases injury risk in a league where availability is crucial.Dart doesn't seem to be backing down right now and is happy with who he is. Whether that mindset leads to long-term success or further health challenges will be one of the most closely watched aspects of the Giants’ upcoming season.