Unlocking the Secret Twist Hidden Within the Story You Thought You Knew

Funny how the future franchise quarterback for the New York Giants credits his childhood athletic inspiration not to a gridiron legend, but to a baseball icon. Jaxson Dart’s path to the NFL was anything but ordinary—after all, few rookie QBs arrive boasting nearly 12,000 passing yards across two powerhouse programs and a penchant for pitching as well as passing. But here’s the kicker: growing up, Dart idolized Derek Jeter, a Yankees shortstop with five World Series rings and Hall of Fame status. Could it be that the precision and arm angles honed on the diamond shaped his unique throwing style on the football field? As Giants fans pin their hopes on Dart to fill some rather large cleats, this revelation throws an intriguing curveball into the mix—maybe greatness doesn’t always come from watching others throw the ball forward on Sundays.

Its safe to say that every young athlete grows up watching their heroes on television and their play is partly inspired by them.

Jaxson Dart was drafted in the 1st Round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants as their future franchise quarterback.

During his four-year college career at USC and Ole Miss, Dart turned heads with his combined 11,970 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, 27 interceptions, 1,541 rushing yards and 14 rushing scores.

Last season, his 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns helped deliver a first-team All-SEC nod.

Although he is well-known for his football skills, it may surprise fans that Dart’s favorite athlete growing up didn’t play professionally on the gridiron.

In a recent interview with the Giants media crew, Dart said, “My favorite athlete growing up was Derek Jeter.”

Jaxson Dart's favorite athlete growing up was… pic.twitter.com/mP9tghDxMR

— New York Giants (@Giants) April 27, 2025

Jeter is a former shortstop with the New York Yankees who won five World Series and is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

When Dart was in high school, he played football but was also a slick fielding third baseman and a two-time All-State stud at the position.

As he matriculated through high school, Dart worked with prep quarterback coaches who mentioned that the kid had an incredible knack for throwing the pigskin at different arm angles.

It turns out that specific skill was due to Dart’s baseball experience.

Dart was so adept on the diamond that his former high school coaches believe he was equally talented in both sports.

That lofty praise will be scrutinized heavily by Giants fans as Dart looks to put the ghost of Daniel Jones permanently to rest.

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