The popular sports podcast account Pardon My Take posted a graphic Monday featuring a blunt message from ESPN analyst Booger McFarland aimed at New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
McFarland provided a strong message to Dart and put him on blast over his recent comments about being frustrated with so many medical tent visits.
“Hey big fella, here’s a news flash: When you get hit, don’t lay on the ground like something’s wrong,” McFarland said.
During the Giants’ preseason opener Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings. Dart absorbed a hard sack from safety Jay Ward after a missed block by running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. Dart remained on the turf briefly before trainers and league medical personnel directed him to the blue tent for evaluation.
He was cleared and returned a few plays later, connecting with rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields for a 15-yard touchdown on his first snap back. Dart finished the limited appearance three of four for 26 yards.
After the 13-10 loss, Dart expressed frustration with the process. He said he had the wind knocked out of him on the play and found himself puzzled by how often he ends up in the tent.
“As far as the blue tent, I really respect the rules and the thought behind the NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things,” Dart said. “But at the same time, I’m still puzzled by it just feeling like every time that I get hit, I find my way in there, which at times I still try to wrap my head around.”
The second-year quarterback was evaluated for concussions five times during his 2025 rookie season and diagnosed with one that forced him to miss two games. That history has drawn extra scrutiny under the league’s concussion protocol, which relies on independent neurotrauma consultants and athletic trainers monitoring for impact and injury behavior.
Giants coach John Harbaugh said he was somewhat surprised by the call for an evaluation but supported the emphasis on player safety. The NFL later described the stoppage as a standard medical timeout, citing factors including the free-run hit, a possible whiplash effect, Dart’s head contacting the surface and his delayed movement after the tackle.
McFarland, a former NFL defensive lineman, appeared as a guest Monday on the Pardon My Take podcast hosted by Barstool Sports personalities Big Cat and PFT Commenter. The show covered preseason action and other topics, with the graphic circulating afterward as a highlight of McFarland’s take on Dart’s situation.
Reactions from NFL fans varied. Some defended Dart, noting that having the wind knocked out can leave a player momentarily unable to rise and that protocol prioritizes caution especially in preseason. Others agreed with McFarland’s point that remaining down can trigger automatic checks and that quarterbacks benefit from showing they can recover quickly.
The blue medical tent has become a regular feature on NFL sidelines since the league strengthened its concussion protocols. Independent medical personnel can force a player off the field for evaluation even if the team’s staff does not initiate it. Dart’s pattern of visits has made him a frequent subject of discussion around the balance between toughness and long-term health.
Dart has shown mobility and playmaking ability that helped him earn the starting role. Yet the physical nature of his style continues to place him in situations that invite medical reviews. McFarland’s message underscores an old-school perspective still common among former players: get up and keep going unless something is clearly wrong.
As the preseason continues, the Giants will monitor how Dart handles contact and whether the frequency of tent visits decreases. The league’s commitment to erring on the side of safety remains firm, even when players or coaches find the process puzzling.
