Giants Owner Wellington Mara Dies
The most significant figure in the history of the New York Giants has passed. Wellington Mara, the Giants’ President and Co-Chief Executive Officer died today at the age of 89.
The team released a statement, saying Mara peacefully passed away at his home in Rye, N.Y., at 9:26 a.m. He surrounded by his wife, Ann, his 11 children and their spouses, and many of his 40 grandchildren.
The last Giants game of Mara’s life was Sunday’s thrilling 24-23 victory over Denver. Team officials say that 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.” - WCBS2