Exclusive: Giants’ Pro Bowler Schools Jaxson Dart—‘This Ain’t College Anymore!

Although rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart hasn’t played his first NFL snap yet, he’s already getting a taste of what life in the pros is like—courtesy of two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns.

Speaking with GiantsWire, Dart admitted the NFL game is hitting him fast, both literally and figuratively. “I don’t think I’ve had the full experience yet, but I’ve had a little taste with Brian Burns chasing me,” Dart said. He described one particular read-option play where Burns’ speed and closing ability caught him off guard: “It was kind of crazy.”

It’s no surprise that Dart is feeling the difference between college and pro football so quickly. Burns, a former first-round pick out of Florida State, has built a strong résumé since entering the league in 2019. Over six seasons (mostly with the Panthers), he racked up 46 sacks and nearly 250 tackles. He made back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2021 and 2022 before the Giants acquired him in a blockbuster deal just days after Carolina placed the franchise tag on him.

New York then locked up the veteran edge rusher with a five-year contract. In 2024, Burns delivered with 8.5 sacks and 71 tackles in a full 17-game slate. Now, he’s not only expected to anchor the Giants’ defense on Sundays but also to challenge and help mold their quarterback of the future during the week.

Dart, who played at both USC and Ole Miss during his college career, enters the NFL with high expectations despite being behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on the depth chart. With his real reps likely to come in the preseason and late-season situations, every moment in minicamp is crucial. Burns offering a “welcome to the NFL” moment in practice might not feel great in the moment, but it’s a valuable lesson for the rookie.

While the Giants are still piecing together a contending roster, surrounding Dart with battle-tested pros like Burns could fast-track his development. The growing pains have started early—but that’s often where growth begins.