NFL Fans Blame Donald Trump 'Curse' for Jaxson Dart's Devastating Knee Injury

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has become the subject of an unusual wave of social-media reaction after suffering a serious-looking knee injury. It happened just months after the NFL star appeared alongside US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally.

Dart was injured during the opening drive of the Giants' 28-6 defeat by the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night at SoFi Stadium. The second-year quarterback was hit by Rams defenders Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart as he attempted a pass on third down.

Dart's left knee appeared to buckle during the collision. He immediately grabbed the knee before eventually walking off the field under his own power. He was examined in the medical tent before heading to the locker room.

Initial reports indicated that Dart could have suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL). X-rays were negative. However, subsequent reporting suggested the injury could be significantly more serious. NFL Network reported that an MRI showed the injury was 'worse than anticipated' and that Dart could miss an extended period, potentially the remainder of the season.

Social Media Links Injury to Trump Appearance

The uncertainty surrounding Dart's recovery quickly fuelled a separate conversation online because of his highly publicised appearance with Trump in May.

Dart introduced Trump at a campaign event for Republican Representative Mike Lawler at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York. He described it as an 'honor' and said he was 'grateful' for the opportunity.

Following news of his knee injury, some users on X revived the so-called 'Trump curse' theory, a tongue-in-cheek social-media narrative that has been used to associate injuries and setbacks involving people who have interacted with Trump.

'Everything Trump Touches Dies. Curse remains undefeated,' one fan wrote.

'Jaxson Dart appears to be the latest victim of the Trump curse,' another commented.

A third person wrote: 'Trump jinxed Dart with the pedo handshake.'

Another fan claimed: 'This was the moment I decided not to draft Dart in fantasy football. He had no chance this season after the Trump Curse.'

Dart Had Made Strong Start to 2026

The injury is particularly significant for the Giants because Dart had begun the 2026 season in impressive form.

In New York's opening game against the Dallas Cowboys, Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. He also rushed for 54 yards as the Giants won 28-20. His performance made him the first quarterback in NFL history to open a season with at least three passing touchdowns, 50 rushing yards and a passer rating of 130.

Dart also enjoyed a productive rookie campaign in 2025. He started 12 of 14 games, throwing for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. He added 487 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.

The Giants selected Dart 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft after trading back into the first round to acquire him.

His latest injury leaves New York facing uncertainty at quarterback. Veteran Jameis Winston replaced Dart against the Rams and finished with 111 passing yards and one interception.

As of the latest official update, Giants coach John Harbaugh said evaluations remained ongoing and that no final decision had been made on Dart's status.