Rugby Star Ilona Maher Had No Idea Who Giants QB Jaxson Dart Was at Super Bowl Party

Maher and her teammate Kasey McCravey encountered several Giants players at the party, including Dart and Jameis Winston.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic energy of rugby and football players, their faces and uniforms abstracted into unrecognizable shapes, representing the disconnect between athletes in different sports.An abstract artistic interpretation of the disconnect between professional athletes in different sports, even when they occupy the same city.NYC Today

Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher attended a Super Bowl party hosted by New York Giants player Cam Skattebo, where she and her teammate Kasey McCravey encountered several Giants players, including quarterback Jaxson Dart and backup QB Jameis Winston. Maher admitted she had no idea who Dart was, even though he knew who she was, while McCravey jokingly asked Winston if he knew how to play football.

Why it matters

Maher's story highlights the disconnect that can sometimes exist between high-profile athletes, even when they are in the same social circles. It also showcases the fun, lighthearted interactions that can happen when different sports worlds collide.

The details

Maher recounted the story on her 'House of Maher' podcast, explaining that she and McCravey were trying to navigate the party full of NFL players without recognizing most of them. When Maher encountered Dart, a young, attractive blond man, she asked him what team he played for and what position he played, only to be told he was the Giants' quarterback. Meanwhile, McCravey was walking around the party with a football when Jameis Winston, another Giants player, tried to take it from her, leading McCravey to jokingly ask him if he knew how to play football.

  • Maher attended the Super Bowl party in February 2026.
  • The podcast episode where Maher told the story aired on April 14, 2026.

The players

Ilona Maher

A 29-year-old Olympic rugby player for the U.S. women's national team.

Kasey McCravey

A 32-year-old U.S. rugby player and Maher's teammate.

Jaxson Dart

The 22-year-old starting quarterback for the New York Giants.

Jameis Winston

A 32-year-old backup quarterback for the New York Giants.

Cam Skattebo

A New York Giants player who hosted the Super Bowl party that Maher and McCravey attended.

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What they’re saying

“He's like, 'I'm the quarterback.' It was Jaxson Dart. No idea. I mean, he knew who I was.”

— Ilona Maher, Rugby Player

“And she's a funny person, she goes 'you know ball?' To Jameis Winston. I was like 'Kasey, that's hilarious.'”

— Ilona Maher, Rugby Player

The takeaway

Maher's story highlights the fun and unexpected interactions that can happen when athletes from different sports worlds collide, even if they don't always recognize each other. It shows that despite their fame, professional athletes are still human and can have lighthearted, relatable moments.