President Donald Trump is already locked into the NFL season, and he's not shy about sharing his shortlist of teams to keep tabs on. While attending the Patriot Games on Tuesday, the commander-in-chief sat down with ESPN's Laura Rutledge and dished on which franchises have caught his attention heading into the fall.
Trump kicked off his answer with a tip of the cap to Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the New England squad, but he didn't stop there. He also shouted out the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams as clubs worth monitoring.
“I think New England looks good,” Trump said. “I think the Giants, I like their quarterback a lot. They say the L.A. Rams are looking very strong. I better not get into this too much! I’m gonna get myself in trouble if I do.”
The president's mention of the Giants naturally turned heads, especially given the team's recent quarterback buzz. Rookie signal-caller Jaxson Dart, who made headlines earlier this year when he introduced Trump at a campaign rally, has already drawn both praise and criticism for that appearance. Dart, who tallied 2,272 passing yards, 487 rushing yards, and 24 total touchdowns as a rookie, defended his decision to take the stage, calling it a “unique opportunity.”
“This was a unique opportunity. You know, being asked and given the opportunity to introduce the President of the United States, you know, my thinking was pretty simple. And the fact of, you know, I’ve always loved this country,” Dart told reporters. “I have extended family members who have fought in wars. I have two uncles who have retired from the Air Force Academy, and served themselves. And I have a great grandfather who served as Secretary of Treasury at some point. So the president position has always been a position that I have always respected, regardless of political affiliation, regardless of political party, and my intentions were just that.”
Trump's comments arrive amid a flurry of political-sports crossovers, from his recent appearances at golf events to speculation about his potential presence at college football showdowns. The president's knack for stirring conversation is nothing new—he's previously sparked debates with his golf etiquette and even had his doctor address bruises spotted at LIV Golf. But this time, his focus is squarely on the gridiron.
With the regular season just around the corner, Trump's picks add an extra layer of intrigue. The Patriots, under new leadership, are looking to rebound, while the Giants are banking on Dart's development. Meanwhile, the Rams are widely considered a contender in the NFC, and Trump's endorsement only amplifies the spotlight.
Will the president make a cameo at the Giants' season opener on Sept. 13? Given his recent track record of popping up at sporting events, it wouldn't be a shock. For now, fans can debate whether his instincts are on point—or if his picks are just another viral moment waiting to happen.
