Wellington Mara, the Giants’ President and Co-Chief Executive Officer who was a vital member of the franchise for every one of its 81 years, a National Football League icon and one of the most beloved and respected figures in professional sports, died this year, Tuesday, October 25.

Mara peacefully passed away at his home in Rye, N.Y., at 9:26 a.m. He was surrounded by his wife, Ann, his 11 children and their spouses, and many of his 40 grandchildren. He was 89.

A constant presence throughout his life at games and practices, in the locker room or in his office, Mara had not visited Giants Stadium for several weeks, because he was being treated for his illness. He did not attend training camp this year, nor was he at any games this season.

Mara was diagnosed with cancerous lymph nodes in early April. On May 10, he underwent surgery to remove the cancerous lymph nodes.

In late July, just prior to the beginning of training camp, Mara began receiving radiation treatments, which lasted until late August. He received treatments five times a week, and underwent a total of 33 treatments.

Mara was hospitalized for approximately four weeks beginning in late September. Last Friday, he left the hospital and returned to his Westchester home.

The last Giants game of Mara’s life was Sunday’s thrilling 24-23 victory over Denver. Prior to the game, Coach Tom Coughlin had talked to the players about Mr. Mara, as well as the Giants’ other owner, Bob Tisch ,who is suffering from brain cancer. After the Giants won the game on an Eli Manning touchdown pass to Amani Toomer with five seconds remaining, Coughlin spoke to the team in the locker room. The players then came together in a tight circle, raised their hands and chanted, “Duke, Duke, Duke.” Mara’s nickname was “Duke.”

Faith, family and football were the marrow of Mara’s life. He was a deeply religious man who attended Mass daily.

It is impossible to overstate the influence Mara had on the Giants and in the NFL. He was one of the most important and influential figures in the history of professional football, a man credited with many of the ideas and innovations that have made the NFL the nation’s most popular professional sports league. In 1997, Mara was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining his father, Tim Mara, who was a charter member of the Hall of Fame. Wellington Mara attended the induction ceremony then, typically, was back at work the next day. >>More

FULL COVERAGE

  10.30 Giants Over Redskins, 36-0 - Team Presents John Mara with Game Ball
 10.28 John Mara's Eulogy to His Father
  10.27 Wellington Mara Laid to Rest
 10.26 Players Share Memories of Beloved Mara
 10.25 Thoughts and Reflections from Wellington Mara’s Colleagues and Friends
 10.25 Wellington Mara (1915-2005)

MULTIMEDIA

   Wellington Mara Tribute (1993)
   Tiki Barber on Wellington Mara
   Harry Carson on Wellington Mara
   Commissioner Paul Tagliabue on Wellington Mara