In light of the Duke's passing, a former Giant shares his thoughts on the current generation of G-Men. I think Mara IS proud of this team, and he went on to Heaven knowing this...and I'm sure he left with a smile.
Posted on 10/26/2005 9:10:40 PM PDT by Ultra Sonic 007
(Oct. 26, 2005) -- I've read and heard so many wonderful things this week about Giants owner Wellington Mara, who passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 89. First and foremost is the unselfishness that he displayed years ago when he consented to and supported the concept of revenue sharing. That business decision alone sums up everything that Wellington Mara was about.
Think how much money that probably cost the New York Giants. But Mara was willing to do it because it benefited the league as a whole. Then again, maybe it didn't cost the Giants more money -- maybe it was just a shrewd business decision because the NFL might not have become as successful without it. Either way, that unselfishness sums it up. Because that's the way he was in his life -- a very humble man.
Dave Anderson of the New York Times noted that Mara would take the blame for losses yet he never took credit for victories. So much of what you stand for as a father and as a leader can be reflected in your family. If you meet the Mara children, you see all those great qualities. The outstanding nature of all Mara's children -- not to mention his 40 grandchildren -- is a reflection on the family's patriarch.
Of course, Mara's greatest passion next to his family was his football team. He loved his players, was loyal to them, and he must have been proud of the way they are playing this year. And it's ironic that as we celebrate Mara's life this week, his Giants are preparing to face an old rival in a game with great importance.
(Excerpt) Read more at nfl.com ...
In light of the Duke's passing, a former Giant shares his thoughts on the current generation of G-Men. I think Mara IS proud of this team, and he went on to Heaven knowing this...and I'm sure he left with a smile.
Although Wellington Mara was a tremendous Giant FOR the Giants, he was also a man who put the good of the league above personal gain. So everyone, take note.
Great article. Thanks for posting this.
Mara was a bedrock and voice of reason in the NFL. I fear without him the NFL will slip into the same pit that the NBA and to a lesser degree MLB are in. We need more Mara's.AWB
Judging from what everyone is saying, the Duke's children (three of whom are working with the Giants organization right now; John K. Mara {Executive V.P. and Chief Operating Officer}, Chris Mara {Vice President of Player Evaluation}, and Francis X. Mara {Director of Promotions}) carry on his values.
It's pretty likely John might be Well's successor. I don't think we have anything to fear. Just as long as other teams can mantain a degree of civility and class as well. I mean, Well would invite Tom Landry to dinner before a Giants-Cowboys game. You don't SEE a team owner inviting an opposing team's coach for dinner anymore.
I hope the Giants play the rest of the season in his memory and bring the prize to NY......
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