A year of traveling, building her career and spending time with Jaxson Dart was supposed to lead to an exciting new chapter for Marissa Ayers, who recently secured the keys to her first apartment.
Instead, the Sports Illustrated model is approaching that milestone differently after the New York Giants quarterback suffered a serious knee injury that brought his 2026 NFL season to an abrupt end.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart absorbs massive Hit, avoids the blue tent and sparks questions
Ayers revealed on TikTok that she had finally signed a lease after more than a year of planning, but explained that decorating and furnishing the apartment would take longer than originally anticipated.
"I'm kind of just going to slowly start furnishing it and hop over there and do some things each day," Ayers said, before explaining why Dart's recovery had become her immediate priority.
Marissa Ayers explains why Jaxson Dart needs support
Dart suffered significant damage to his left knee during New York's 28-6 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams on September 21, ending his season after just two games.
The quarterback underwent surgery on September 25 to repair injuries involving his MCL, meniscus and PCL, leaving him facing an extended rehabilitation period.
"I'm really going to be with Jax a lot because, with his injury, he had surgery this month, and he really needs that extra helping hand," Ayers explained.
"So, I want to be there for him, and I want to take care of him. And that's just something I feel in my heart. We take care of each other."
Giants head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Dart's operation went well, although he acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the quarterback's premature exit from the season.
"He's determined; he's bummed. The season's not over, but it is for him," Harbaugh said after the procedure.
Ayers finally achieves milestone
The decision comes as Ayers celebrates securing her first independent home, something she had been planning since graduating college in May 2025.
"I'm going to pick up my keys to my very first apartment, living alone for the first time," she told her followers.
"I've basically been living out of a suitcase since then. I don't know how I've done it for so long, but it was honestly just the era I was in."
Much of that period involved accompanying Dart during the offseason, including spending time together in California while he trained ahead of the campaign.
Ayers explained that her modeling and influencer work allowed her to travel frequently because she could manage professional commitments remotely.
Giants quarterback remains involved
Although Dart cannot return during the regular season, he has continued following New York's progress while recovering at home.
Ayers previously shared footage of him celebrating the Giants' victory over the Arizona Cardinals, including his enthusiastic reaction to Deonte Banks' 98-yard interception return.
The couple now faces a different routine, with Dart concentrating on rehabilitation while Ayers balances supporting him with settling into her new apartment.
Her plans for the property have not disappeared, but she has made clear that helping Dart through the difficult early stages of recovery comes first.