Game day rituals mean everything to players. Miss one, and suddenly every mistake on the field feels like it’s because of that slip. It’s superstitious, sure, but also deeply human. The New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has his own unique ritual. A blend of superstition and pure fandom that sets him apart on the field.

Dart rocks eye black, but not the way you usually see it on the field. Nope, he only wears it under his right eye. Why? Because he’s a huge Star Wars fan. That black stripe is his tribute to Anakin Skywalker’s scar in the same spot. 

“I’ve been a Star Wars fan ever since I can remember,” Dart told NBC Sports. “Early on, Anakin was my favorite character, so me being able to pay a little bit of tribute to that was a lot of fun, and just kind of show your love and, you know, just be a kid out there a little bit.”

The quarterback first started this back at Ole Miss after spotting an LSU defensive back doing something similar. “I [started] it back in my junior year of high school,” Dart explained to ESPN. “The first time I saw it was on an LSU defensive back. … I did it on one eye, and somebody pointed out to me [the similarities] — one of my friends who’s also a huge ‘Star Wars’ fan — and ever since then, I’ve kinda run with it.” And now, it’s part of his game day swagger. 

Dart told “SportsCenter” before the draft that he even had a birthday party where his dad showed up dressed as Darth Vader. With his longer hair and that signature one-eyed black, he pretty much looked like Anakin from “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,” which happens to be his favorite movie in the whole saga.

So, this ritual for Dart is more than just paint. It’s a symbol that connects his on-field persona with the hero-villain arc of a character he admires. This one-eyed black is a visual reminder that even stars have their battles, on and off the field. But if you think that’s the only ritual, there’s something else he always keeps close whenever he’s playing.

The meaning behind Jaxson Dart’s game day chain

Dart also sports a flashy chain during games. That silver chain with diamond-like hearts isn’t just for looks; it’s a family charm. Before the Gator Bowl, he swiped the necklace from his little sister’s room. He then went out and snagged MVP honors while wearing it.

Dart told Fox Sports, “It was before our Bowl game, and as I was leaving the house over Christmas — a little break before the bowl game — and just saw it in her room. And I was like, you know what, I kind of like it.” And since then, that chain has been his good-luck charm.

His sister digs it. “She likes it, she likes it,” Dart said with a grin after the NFL draft. And now his little brother’s rocking one too. The Dart family even got a replacement for the sister, so everyone’s got their charm.

This chain isn’t just about superstition; it’s about connection. It humanizes a kid thrown into the high-pressure Giants QB role. With the burden of turning around a 0-3 start and the task of beating a 3-0 Los Angeles Chargers in his very first career start, Dart’s necklace brings some peace on a chaotic stage. Huge expectations are being placed on him as he may soon become the franchise quarterback.