Ann Mara, NY Giants Co-Owner, Dead at 85: Football Loses Its First Lady On Super Bowl Sunday

Ann Mara, the first lady of football and co-owner of the New York Giants has died on Super Bowl Sunday. Mrs Mara has been associated with the Giants for over 60 years, and according to the Mail, she became co-owner of the Giants NFL franchise following his death of her husband, Wellington Mara nine years ago. Mrs Mara’s son and Giants co-owner, John Mara, announced his mother’s death on Super Bowl Sunday.

Ann Mara slipped and fell on ice outside her home in Rye, New York, during an ice storm two weeks ago and was hospitalised with a head injury the following day.

John Mara says that while there were initial hopes for recovery for his 85-year-old mother, but complications developed, and she died early on Sunday.

In a statement released on Sunday John Mara said “I am sad to say that our mother has passed away, she has been the leader of our family in every way, and we will miss her dearly. She loved her family, and all of us were able to spend time with her in these final days. All 11 of her children and our spouses and numerous grandchildren were with her when she passed away.”

Ann Mara had four sons and seven daughters, 43 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Perhaps best known of Mrs Mara’s Grandchildren are actresses Rooney Mara, who starred as Lisbeth Salander in the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and Kate Mara, who starred in Netflix series House of Cards.

While they are the descendants of Giants founders on their father’s side, Kate and Rooney’s mother’s family founded the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The New York Post report that Giants Co-owner Steve Tisch said, “Ann Mara has been the wonderful matriarch of our franchise. Like her husband Wellington, Ann was passionate about her faith, her family and her football team. Her energy and enthusiasm for her franchise were unmatched. We will miss her and are deeply saddened for the Mara family’s loss.”

Former Giants Corner Terrell Thomas took to social media platform Twitter to pay his respects, saying that Ann Mara instilled “integrity, class and respect” throughout the Giants franchise.

RIP to Ann Mara who instilled integrity, class and respect throughout the entire New York Giants organization. pic.twitter.com/5JjpIKLT5Q

— Terrell Thomas (@TerrellThomas24) February 1, 2015

NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell said, “Her family and the Giants organization have always reflected Mrs. Mara’s competitive spirit, integrity, and wonderful sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with John Mara and the entire Mara family.”

Safety Antrel Rolle said Ann Mara had a “smile that would brighten anyone’s day.”

I absolutely love this woman! She had a smile that would brighten anyone's day. She was our fighter & backbone. pic.twitter.com/BJIhbODImB

— Antrel Rolle (@antrelrolle26) February 1, 2015

Giants Hall of Famer Frank Gifford said, “She lived a wonderful life in service to God, her family and football. In that order. And she will be missed by us all.”

Ann Mara achieved cult status among Giants fans after Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, when she chastised Terry Bradshaw for picking against her beloved Giants. It is a favorite moment that will ensure Ann Mara lives long in the memory of many.

[image – lohud.com]