The future of the quarterback position for the New York Giants remains a topic of intense speculation, and rookie Jaxson Dart finds himself at the heart of the conversation. As debates about his long-term role with the team continue, Dart has made a personal move that has shifted considerable public attention his way.
Social Media Post Confirms Relationship with Influencer
Over the past weekend, Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart seemingly made his relationship official. He shared a black-and-white photograph on his social media story that showed him embracing and kissing influencer and ring girl Marissa Ayers on the side of her face. The image quickly went viral across various online platforms, although neither Dart nor Ayers has issued a public statement regarding their relationship status following the post.
The timing of this personal revelation is particularly noteworthy. It came just days after a significant report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport suggested the Giants' front office might be considering other options. Rapoport indicated that if the Giants secure the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they could evaluate quarterbacks like Indiana Hoosiers' Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. This report casts some doubt on the organization's full commitment to Dart as their unquestioned starter moving forward.
Who is Marissa Ayers?
Marissa Ayers is a well-known social media personality and model, boasting a combined following of over 2 million followers on Instagram and TikTok. She also works as a ring girl for Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Earlier this month, she was present at the Kaseya Center in Miami for a boxing match that was broadcast globally on Netflix.
Signs of her connection to Dart emerged earlier. In December, Ayers was seen with Dart’s mother, Kara, ahead of the Giants' game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough. She also appeared in a TikTok vlog wearing New York Giants colors and posted a photo in an oversized Giants T-shirt. The pair were first linked publicly after being spotted together at a Halloween party in October. Furthermore, a sports gambling company named Betr referred to Ayers as Dart's girlfriend in an Instagram post on December 17.
On-Field Performance and Organizational Crossroads
Despite the Giants' dismal 3-13 record heading into the season finale, Jaxson Dart's individual performance has been a rare positive. The team traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select him from Ole Miss. Initially planned to sit behind veteran Russell Wilson, Dart took over as the starter in Week 4 and held the position for the remainder of the season. In 13 games, he managed to throw for 22 total touchdowns.
The team's struggles led to the firing of head coach Brian Daboll when their record stood at 2-8, and they were eliminated from playoff contention in November. While many league observers believe Dart is a building block for the franchise and not the cause of its problems, Rapoport's report underscores that the front office is prepared to explore all avenues to improve the team, especially if they hold the top draft selection.
As the Giants prepare to close their season against the Dallas Cowboys, the focus is split between the field and the future. Dart and Ayers have not confirmed if she attended the team's Week 17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. With his personal life now in the open and his professional future under a microscope, Jaxson Dart's journey with the New York Giants is entering a pivotal and highly scrutinized phase.
