Giants’ Jaxson Dart Faces Viral Controversy Ahead of NFL Debut

East Rutherford, New Jersey — Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is set to make his NFL debut with the New York Giants against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but the young player’s first start is already marked by a viral controversy.

The 22-year-old Dart, who was chosen 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, is replacing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson after the Giants’ 0-3 start. Significant pressure surrounds Dart as he aims to lead the Giants to a historic upset against Chargers’ Justin Herbert, who is riding a winning streak.

Days before the game, Dart’s name became associated with a fabricated Instagram post that falsely linked him to pop star Madison Beer, rumored to be dating Herbert. The phony post circulated online, amassing nearly four million views before being debunked.

Dart’s debut could make him the first player in over two decades to defeat an undefeated team in his first NFL start, a feat last accomplished by Marc Bulger in 2002. In contrast, Herbert has been stellar this season, guiding his team to a 3-0 start while avoiding interceptions in his last nine road games.

Head coach Brian Daboll’s decision to bench Wilson for Dart underscores a pivotal moment for the Giants, who have struggled to find stability at quarterback since Eli Manning’s retirement. The eye-popping statistic of this matchup highlights Dart’s opportunity to make a name for himself, while also contending with the bizarre narrative surrounding his personal life.

The excitement builds as Giants fans hope Dart can replicate the 1979 upset by Phil Simms when he led the winless Giants to victory against the undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Many fans are eager to see how Dart performs under this intense spotlight.

As the game approaches, the juxtaposition of on-field aspirations and off-field distractions presents a unique storyline that promises to captivate NFL fans worldwide.