Trump Praises Injured Giants Quarterback, Criticizes NFL Rules

President Donald Trump praised injured New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and criticized the NFL’s kickoff rule during remarks at a White House event on Wednesday, while claiming Dart’s jersey became the league’s best-selling the day after a rally appearance. The sales assertion was not independently substantiated in the reports reviewed. Trump spoke about Dart during a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, describing him as a good quarterback and saying he wanted him to recover. Dart injured his knee during Week 2 of the NFL season and was described as facing a potentially season-ending injury. One report said he injured his meniscus and medial collateral ligament in his left knee and underwent surgery. Trump said Dart had endorsed him and faced criticism from people associated with the NFL, linking that reaction to the league’s halftime entertainment. Dart appeared at a May rally for Rep. Mike Lawler in Suffern, New York, where he publicly supported Trump. Trump recounted that Dart had introduced him at a rally and said the quarterback’s jersey became the NFL’s top seller the following day.