Marissa Ayers, girlfriend of New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, has responded to what she described as "negative commentary" and "hate online" surrounding the presence of players' wives and girlfriends at NFL training camps. Ayers, a model, addressed the scrutiny in a recent TikTok video, assuring fans that Dart remains focused on the upcoming season.
"It’s been so fun because I’ve been able to meet the girls — a lot of the girlfriends, the wives it gives us a chance to meet and bond," Ayers said, noting the intimate nature of training camp settings. She explained that the partners' presence offers an opportunity for families to connect and support the players.
"The kids can go and see their dads, it’s so cute," Ayers added. "They basically practice for 2-3 hours, and you see the players for maybe like 10 minutes… and then they’re back in meetings for the rest of the afternoon and night. It’s not like they’re hanging out. Trust me, they’re locked in."
Ayers stated that the partners' attendance is "a chance for us to be supportive before the season." Dart and Ayers, who were first linked last fall, were observed together at Giants training camp on August 10. Ayers had previously surprised Dart at his youth camp.
The NFL has featured players' families and significant others in its marketing efforts. Clips of other NFL couples, such as Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and singer Madison Beer, and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Olivia Ponton, at training camps have gained traction online. These moments are part of the league's "helmets-off" campaign, designed to highlight players and their personal connections.
Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior vice president of social and influencer marketing, told Front Office Sports that the league seeks "authentic opportunities to highlight our players and the people who are part of their journey." He added that the content is "authentic, genuine and relatable, and that’s resonated strongly with women and young fans, who are key growth audiences for the NFL."
The Giants are scheduled to begin their 2026 regular season at home against the Cowboys on September 13.