On the eve of Super Bowl XLIX, the NFL is mourning the loss of one of its most prominent women. Ann Mara, co-owner of the New York Giants, died early Sunday at the age of 85.
New York Giants co-owner Ann Mara dies at age 85
Complications from a fall led to her death Sunday morning.
Al Bello/Getty Images
“I am sad to say that our mother has passed away,” said John Mara in a statement released by the team. “She has been the leader of our family in every way, and we will miss her dearly.”
According to the team’s press release, Mara slipped and fell at her home in Rye, New York during an ice storm on Jan. 18. She suffered a head injury and endured complications during the recovery. She was able to see all 11 of her children before her passing.
Mara was considered the matriarch of the Giants’ football organization. Along with her late husband, Wellington Mara, she oversaw one of the most prolonged periods of success in NFL history. The Giants won five championships, including four Super Bowls. Her three sons, John, Chris and Frank, all work within the organization.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement about Mara’s passing:
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.
Mara’s sense of humor was apparent throughout her ownership of the team. After the Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers in the 2012 NFC Championship, she interrupted Fox’s Terry Bradshaw to yell at him about never picking her team.
Mara is survived by her children and grandchildren, including actresses Kate and Rooney Mara.
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