By Yuvraj Tyagi
Copyright timesnownews
John Mara, co-owner, president, and CEO of the New York Giants, announced on Monday that he has been diagnosed with cancer, according to a New York Giants press release. Mara, 70, said, “I have recently been diagnosed with cancer and have been following the treatment plan recommended by an outstanding team of doctors. I’m feeling strong and optimistic, and I’m committed to seeing this through to a positive outcome,” the statement said. He added that he plans to remain active with the team during treatment, noting that he is “fortunate to be surrounded by incredible support — personally, professionally and medically,” according to the release. “I ask that you respect my privacy and my family’s privacy at this time,” Mara emphasised, a New York Giants press release noted. Mara Family Legacy: A Century in the NFL The Mara family has owned the New York Giants since 1925, when the franchise was founded by John Mara’s grandfather, Tim Mara, according to NFL.com and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tim Mara, born in 1887, worked as a newsboy and courier before becoming a bookmaker, eventually acquiring the legal in-track bookmaker license at Belmont Park, the Pro Football Hall of Fame reported. John Mara’s father, Wellington Mara, joined the Giants as a waterboy and later became team president, playing a pivotal role in revenue sharing and the AFL-NFL merger, according to NFL archives. Wellington Mara remained active until his death in 2005 and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame alongside his father, Tim Mara, for his contributions to the league. Family Roles and NFL Impact John Mara officially joined the Giants organization in 1991 as general counsel and ascended to president and CEO after his father’s passing, according to NFL.com. During his tenure, the Giants have won three Super Bowls, five NFC East titles, and made 11 playoff appearances, NFL records show. The Mara and Tisch families have each owned 50% of the Giants since 1991, with Steve Tisch serving as controlling owner for his family and John Mara as controlling owner for the Mara family, according to the New York Times. The sale of a 10% minority stake to Julia Koch and the Koch family is scheduled for discussion at the next NFL owners’ meeting, while overall control remains with the Mara and Tisch families. Extended Family and Organizational Structure Other Mara family members remain active in Giants operations, including John Mara’s brother Chris Mara, who serves as senior player personnel executive and board director, according to the Giants’ official staff directory. Mara’s nephew, Tim McDonnell, is the team’s director of player personnel, NFL sources confirmed. The family’s influence also extends into popular culture through nieces Kate and Rooney Mara, who have achieved fame in Hollywood while maintaining a low profile regarding the franchise’s internal affairs, according to People Magazine. John Mara has historically emphasised privacy and continuity, guiding the team through business and competitive challenges. Historical Context and Previous Family Disputes Ownership disputes have shaped the Mara-Tisch partnership; following Jack Mara’s death in 1965, Tim Mara and relatives sold half the team to Preston Robert Tisch in 1991, according to ESPN archives. The sale stabilised the franchise financially while allowing the family to maintain operational control, ESPN reported. John Mara has managed the team while balancing family interests and modern NFL demands, including overseeing league committees on health, safety, competition, and diversity, according to NFL.com. He serves as chairman of the NFL management council executive committee and remains a key voice on the competition and governance committees. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.
