Eli Manning on Political Expression in Sports — Support with Caution
By John Nada·Jun 4, 2026·2 min read
Eli Manning supports political expression in sports but warns athletes like Jaxson Dart to brace for criticism and use it to foster team dialogue.
"Athletes should be allowed to do it if they feel strong about politics or supporting someone, that's fine," stated Eli Manning in a conversation with CNBC Sport. The two-time Super Bowl champion weighs in on the political climate swirling around Jaxson Dart, the current quarterback for the New York Giants, after Dart introduced President Donald Trump at a rally. Manning made these remarks following the backlash Dart faced, including criticism from teammate Abdul Carter.
Dart's decision to engage in political endorsement sparked a reaction that’s all too familiar in today’s divided landscape. Manning, who avoided political stances during his career to maintain his marketability, acknowledges the complexity of the situation. "You just have to understand that there's going to be teammates, fans and people that are going to think different about that," he explained to CNBC Business.
The 23-year-old quarterback, feeling the heat, disabled comments on his Instagram account and later addressed his teammates directly. "I love every single one of my teammates regardless of politics," Dart expressed, capturing the tension between personal conviction and professional rapport.
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Manning suggests that political differences could potentially foster constructive dialogue among teammates rather than division. "Hopefully it creates great conversation and brings a team together," Manning added, emphasizing the importance of unity despite disparate beliefs.
During his playing days, Manning strategically chose to sidestep political discourse, a decision that preserved his appeal for brand endorsements with giants like DirectTV and Pepsi. "It wasn't something I was super passionate about in the first place," he candidly admitted, underscoring the pragmatic choice that aided in building his post-football brand.
In a world where the personal is often political, Manning’s approach contrasts with the younger generation of athletes, who are more vocal about their political beliefs. This shift might just redefine athlete endorsements and team dynamics going forward.