ANN MARA, the widow of late NFL Giants Owner WELLINGTON MARA, died yesterday "due to complications from a head injury she suffered" on Jan. 18 from a fall at her home, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. Mara, who was "often called the 'First Lady of Football' around the NFL," was "nearly as well-respected as her late husband." Her son, Giants President & CEO JOHN MARA, said the family was “hopeful for her recovery,” but “unfortunately there were complications.” Though she "mostly stayed out of the public eye, Ann Mara was a popular figure around the NFL and amongst Giants players -- never moreso than after that 2011 NFC championship, won by the Giants." She became an "internet sensation when she poked and chided TERRY BRADSHAW on live TV because 'You never pick the Giants!'” Three of her sons "are in Giants management," including John, Senior VP/Player Personnel CHRIS MARA and VP/Community Relations FRANK MARA. Ann Mara also was a "strong supporter of many charities, especially education organizations." The team listed Convent of the Sacred Heart, Inner City Scholarship Fund, Boys Hope Girls Hope, and Life Athletes "among her favorites." She also "supported the Ronald McDonald House of New York, which helped children with cancer" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 2/2). In N.Y., Paul Schwartz notes a "powerful behind-the-scenes presence, Ann Mara attended almost every Giants game, home and away, for 60 years" (N.Y. POST, 2/2). A moment of silence was held in honor of Mara prior to Super Bowl XLIX last night at Univ. of Phoenix Stadium (THE DAILY).
NEVER FORGOTTEN: In N.Y., Mike Lupica writes Mara "will not be forgotten, because of all the life in her, and fun, and the way she loved her husband and her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren; the way she loved the Giants." Ann and Wellington Mara "were married" in '54, and had "four sons and seven daughters and eventually 43 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 2/2). THE MMQB's Peter King writes, "what a life she had." She met her husband at a Manhattan church "when an old lady fainted and Ann and Wellington came to her aid." They "dated at sports events, including Giants games." She and Wellington "drilled humility into their children, and it showed (and continues to show) every day, to the administration of John Mara" (MMQB.SI.com, 2/2). In Newark, Nick Powell wrote Ann Mara was "one of the most influential figures" in Giants history. John Mara said, "She has been the leader of our family in every way, and we will miss her dearly" (NJ.com, 2/1). In N.Y., Mike Vaccaro notes John Mara would "frequently joke about what a tough boss his mother was, suffering along with the rest of the Maras in times of toil, celebrating as raucously as her grandchildren in times of triumph" (N.Y. POST, 2/2). On Long Island, Neil Best notes for decades, Ann Mara "has been an influential and popular member of the NFL community, and her death on the morning of the league's biggest game generated an outpouring of sympathy and fond memories on social media" (NEWSDAY, 2/2).
REMEMBERED FONDLY: Pro Football HOFer FRANK GIFFORD said, "I sat with Ann at every Giants home game and, boy, did she take it all seriously. You really hoped they wouldn't call a bad penalty that day. She ruled the roost, both at home and at the games. She knew all the goings on. She cared a lot about the team and the players" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 2/2). NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL in a statement said, "Mrs. Mara was a tower of strength, dignity and inspiration for her family and all of us in the NFL. Her family and the Giants organization have always reflected Mrs. Mara's competitive spirit, integrity, and wonderful sense of humor" (Mult., 2/1).
