U.S. Rugby Star Ilona Maher Humbled Several NFL Players

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 28: Ilona Maher of Team United States celebrates with teammate Alex Sedrick during the Women’s Pool C match between United States and Japan on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on July 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Hannah Peters/Getty Images

U.S. Rugby Star Ilona Maher Humbled Several NFL Players

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 15, 2026 4:35 PM ET

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Ilona Maher revealed that she accidentally humbled one of the most popular young quarterbacks in the NFL.

Maher, 29, rose to prominence during the 2024 Olympics by helping the United States capture bronze in the rugby event. Her popularity led to her gracing the digital cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. She was also invited onto "Dancing with the Stars."

While there are many people familiar with Maher's story, she's apparently not great at recognizing NFL athletes.

During the latest episode of her "House of Maher" podcast, the American rugby star revealed that she bumped into New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart at a Super Bowl party.

There's just one problem: Maher didn't know who Dart was.

"When I was at the Super Bowl, I went to this party and there’s a lot of like football players from the Giants were there," Maher said. "There’s this one guy, he’s like blond, he’s an attractive guy, young-looking, and I’m like, ‘Hey what’s up man?’ I’m like, 'Hey, you play football?'"

: Pro rugby player Ilona Maher says that she and her friends HUMBLED Giants star QB Jaxson Dart and other players at Cam Skattebo’s party because she had no idea who they were.

“I’m like, you play football?… what team you play for?… what position?”

pic.twitter.com/vWUE7Oa84n
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 15, 2026

More motivation for Jaxson Dart.

Despite having 2,272 passing yards, 487 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns as a rookie, Dart received just one first-place vote for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. He made it known that he wasn't thrilled with the voters.

“I guess more people have conversations and things to say about me sliding that has nothing to do with my play on the field,” Dart told the New York Post. “It is what it is.”

Although it's unclear if Dart was offended by Maher's recent admission, we can't fault him if he uses it as motivation for the 2026 season.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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