John Mara, the New York Giants owner whose grandfather Tim Mara founded the team in 1925, announced he had cancer in a statement released by the Giants on Monday.
Mara has participated in the Giants organization since 1991 and has been owner and team president since his father Wellington Mara passed away in 2005.
He has overseen two Super Bowl championships, seven postseason appearances and the opening of MetLife Stadium in his two-decade run as the team’s primary governor. He also has been an influential member within the NFL’s competition committee while also bringing Super Bowl XLVIII and the FIFA World Cup Final to East Rutherford, New Jersey next summer.
Mara, who will turn 71 on Dec. 1, and his wife Denise have four daughters and one son, John Mara Jr.
John Mara: ‘I’m Feeling Strong and Optimistic’
The team did not announce specifically what type of cancer John Mara has been battling, and he closed the statement by asking for privacy amid his treatment.
But Mara did show his usual spunky spirit while revealing to the world his diagnosis.
“I have recently been diagnosed with cancer and have been following the treatment plan recommended by an outstanding team of doctors,” Mara said in the statement prepared by the team. “I’m feeling strong and optimistic, and I’m committed to seeing this through to a positive outcome.”
Mara is known as a hands-on governor, who many saw in meetings and discussions with general manager Joe Schoen when the Giants were featured on off-season “Hard Knocks” before the 2024 season. Mara said he anticipates still being involved, even though he may take time away for family and treatment.
“I plan to remain active with the team through my treatment,” Mara said. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by incredible support — personally, professionally and medically.”
Maras Are One Of NFL’s First Families
John Mara is the third generation of Maras to operate the Giants. He started as the team’s general counsel, due to his legal background, before assuming the ownership 14 years later.
The Maras are one of the last remaining original NFL owners — particularly among flagship-level NFL organizations. The Green Bay Packers, of course, are run by an assortment of more than a half-million fans who have purchased shares of the team, and only the Chicago Bears (Halas-McCloskeys, 1920) have been run by one family longer than the Giants.
The Maras have co-owned the Giants with the family of Robert Tisch since 1991 — Robert’s son Steve took over after Robert Tisch passed away, also in 2005, a mere three weeks after John’s father Wellington Mara died.
Yet, Steve Tisch and John Mara opened up a 10 percent minority ownership stake in the Giants earlier this year, which was agreed to be purchased by the Koch family. The NFL has not yet approved the minority stake sale, which was only announced earlier this month, but owners could do so as early as next month.
The $10 billion valuation for Koch’s purchase makes the Giants the most valuable pro sports team in North America. The Los Angeles Lakers were also sold earlier this year for a valuation of slightly less than $10 billion.
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