New York Giants president, CEO and co-owner, John Mara, announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment, adding that he plans to remain active with the franchise during his care.
“I have recently been diagnosed with cancer and have been following the treatment plan recommended by an outstanding team of doctors,” Mara, 70, said in a statement on Monday, September 29th. “I’m feeling strong and optimistic, and I’m committed to seeing this through to a positive outcome. I plan to remain active with the team throughout my treatment, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by incredible support personally, professionally, and medically. I ask that you respect my privacy and my family’s privacy at this time.”
Neither he nor the team disclosed the type or stage of the cancer.
Mara’s announcement came a day after he was present for the New York Giants first win of the season on Sunday, September 28, when the Giants defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, 21-18, at MetLife Stadium.
News of Mara’s diagnosis quickly drew an outpouring of support from across the National Football League on social media.
NFL insider Albert Breer wrote via X, “John Mara’s different than a lot of other owners — he’s always been a relatable and reasonable person, and a gentleman to deal with. Here’s hoping for the best for he and his family with the fight ahead.”
The New York Jets also sent a message of support: “Our thoughts are with John Mara and his family,” the team shared on social media. “Sending strength, support and well wishes.”
ESPN’s Peter Schrager shared via X, “Fond wishes for John Mara, who has long been a gentleman and believer in football being a great unifier.”
Mara has served the Giants since 1991, becoming president after the passing of his father, Wellington Mara, in 2005. Under his leadership, New York has claimed two Super Bowls (XLII, XLVI) and remained among the most storied franchises in the NFL.
His grandfather, Tim Mara, founded the franchise in 1925, making the Mara family one of the league’s longest-running dynasties. He currently shares control of the franchise with the Tisch family.
John and his wife, Denise Mara, have five children. He is also the uncle to actresses Rooney Mara and Kate Mara.
Throughout the early stages of the season, John has been a constant presence at the team facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey, staying engaged with ongoing staff decisions alongside head coach, Brian Daboll, and general manager Joe Schoen.
He was notably in attendance on Tuesday, September 23, when the decision to make rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart the new starting quarterback was announced.
John also holds additional roles beyond those with the Giants. He chairs the NFL’s management council and has served on the league’s competition committee for over two decades.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced that the Koch family is set to purchase a 10 percent minority stake in the Giants, valuing the franchise at an estimated $10 billion. The deal, which would be one of the largest minority investments ever in an NFL franchise, would reduce the Mara family holdings from 50 percent to 45 percent.
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