Two weeks later in the NFL season, New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart remains a backup for veteran Russell Wilson.
However, Giants fans have gained an unexpected window in the life of young rookie QB on Thursday as ESPN's Peter Schrager shared a new clip from his “Schrager Hour” podcast in which franchise icon Eli Manning narrates a surprisingly relevant request in a New York first-round draft pick.
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In the clip, Manning describes: “If you have any questions about anything, I’m here to serve you – football stuff, live in town, anyway.”
When Dart called him during training camp, Manning thought it was a rookie’s annoyance or plan, but then asked the question: “Can you offer reservations at Charles 4 Charles tonight at 6:30 tonight?” Manning smiled and said, “That’s not part of the deal. I’m not your retention. You must make money.”
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The relationship between Manning and the rookie goes back to the Miss Ole era in Dart, where alumnus Manning and the program’s historical touchdown pass leader (81) served as mentors.
“Eli was always my role model even before I arrived at Ole Miss,” Dart told Sports Illustrated after the draft. “I could contact him whenever I had a question and I knew he would be with me. Now, he lives on the road with the giants, and he's great, make sure I know I put him in my corner… It's a huge asset for me.”
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waved to fans as he left the field at the Metropolitan Life Stadium in East Rutherford. US Network Today via Imagn Images
Not only did the two have similar paths, both entered Ole Miss, but they also held similar roles in their respective rookie seasons.
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In 2004, the Giants signed the start of Kurt Warner, while Manning was a No. 1 draft pick adapting to the NFL and New York. Coach Tom Coughlin eventually handed over the job to Manning after Warner's earlier struggles.
Fast forward to 2025, the Giants rebuild the quarterback room around Wilson (deep like Jameis Winston) before trading to choose DART in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The Giants are once again inclined to pair a proven veteran with a development rookie, providing another clear similarity between Manning and Darts.
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This story was originally first appeared in the NFL section by Athlon Sports on September 18, 2025. Click here to add Athlon Sports as your preferred source.