Marissa Ayers is officially speaking out, taking on the criticism she’s faced for showing up at the New York Giants’ training camp. Ayers, girlfriend to Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, has been right there with him as the team gears up for the 2026-2027 NFL season. She’s been seen walking on the field, talking to Dart, and grabbing some photos, which, of course, hit social media.
What Actually Went Down At Camp
Look, some fans were all for Ayers being there, cheering on the players and their partners. But the internet, being the internet, also had a bunch of folks blasting her and other wives and girlfriends, questioning why they were even at training camp in the first place. Ayers isn’t having it, and she’s pulling back the curtain on what really happens. She shared in a TikTok video that “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.” She explained that this week at camp “it’s just a little more intimate, so, family, girlfriends, [and] wives…” because she was seeing comments asking, “Why are the girlfriends there?”
Ayers Isn’t Holding Back, And The NFL Backs It Up
Ayers clarified the situation, pointing out that fans are analyzing the measly 10 minutes they’re actually seen talking to their partners on the field. She says it’s not like they’re hanging around for hours. “They basically practice for two-to-three 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,” she said. She was clear: “Trust me, they’re locked in. It’s a chance for us to be supportive before the season.” She’s just tired of “so much hate online and negative commentary around players.” She’s not alone in this, either. Madison Beer, engaged to Chargers QB Justin Herbert, Simone Biles, married to Colts Jonathan Owens, and Olivia Ponton, rumored to be dating Bengals QB Joe Burrow, have all been making headlines for their appearances at camp. Turns out, these photos and videos of WAGs are reportedly part of the NFL’s “helmets-off” marketing campaign, according to a Front Office Sports report. Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior vice president of social and influencer marketing, told FOS that “on the league and club level, we’ve engaged our players’ families and loved ones for years.” He added, “We look for authentic opportunities to highlight our players and the people who are part of their journey.”
As the Giants wrap up their intense training camp, heading into the grind of the 2026-2027 NFL season, it’s clear the conversation around player support off the field is heating up. Whether fans like it or not, family is part of the journey, and it’s time to focus on what happens when the real games kick off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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