New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart spent part of his offseason back in Utah this weekend, taking in an NHL game with girlfriend Marissa Ayers after completing his rookie NFL season. The 22-year-old attended Saturday’s matchup at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, where the Utah Mammoth earned a 6–3 home win over the Seattle Kraken.
Dart and Ayers followed the action from their seats, with Ayers sporting Mammoth gear and appearing affectionate as she rested her hand on Dart’s shoulder during the game. The outing came just days after Dart wrapped up his first NFL campaign and returned to his home state.
A native of Kaysville, Utah, he finished the season earlier this month. Ayers has been a constant presence throughout Dart’s rookie year. She works as a model and ring girl, and most recently appeared at the Jake Paul–Anthony Joshua boxing event in Miami last month.
Dart appeared in 14 games during the 2025 season, throwing 15 touchdown passes against five interceptions while adding nine rushing touchdowns. Despite flashes of promise, the Giants endured a difficult year, finishing 4–13. The organization parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll in November amid ongoing struggles.
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The Giants officially ushered in a new era Saturday, finalizing a five-year contract with John Harbaugh as the franchise’s next head coach following extended negotiations.
Harbaugh was dismissed by the Baltimore Ravens on January 6 after an 18-year run with the organization, a tenure highlighted by a Super Bowl championship to cap the 2012 season.
John Harbaugh Says He Is Fired Up To Coach Giants Quarterback Jaxson Dart
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh credited quarterback Jaxson Dart as a major factor in his decision to take the job, highlighting the rookie’s mindset and enthusiasm during the interview process.
The Giants finalized Harbaugh’s hiring on Saturday, ending days of speculation over the franchise’s head coaching vacancy. A Super Bowl-winning coach, Harbaugh chose New York after evaluating multiple opportunities across the league.
“It starts with the players,” Harbaugh said. “I’m just fired up to coach these guys and get to work. It’s a great group, and I’m looking forward to building this team up.”
During the interview process, Harbaugh reviewed film and rosters of several teams seeking a head coach, paying particular attention to young quarterbacks around the league. Dart, he said, immediately stood out.
“But getting to know Jaxson, because this went a little further, I got a chance to talk to him, and I was really, really excited talking ball with Jaxson Dart,” Harbaugh said. “His mindset is exactly what you’re looking for. His enthusiasm and excitement for the game, and for every part of football, really got me fired up.”
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Before agreeing to the deal, Harbaugh consulted former Giants figures to better understand the organization’s history and expectations. He spoke at length with Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, and former head coach Tom Coughlin.
“The No. 1 guy for me was Tom Coughlin. I spent a lot of time talking to Tom,” Harbaugh said. For the unversed, Coughlin led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles during his tenure as head coach. Meanwhile, Harbaugh now begins his own chapter with the franchise as he prepares for his first season in New York.
