Tim Mara
Founding owner of the New York Giants and Hall of Fame executive.
Timothy James Mara (July 29, 1887 – February 16, 1959) was an American professional football executive. He was the founding owner of the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). The Giants, under Mara, won NFL championships in 1927, 1934, 1938, and 1956 and divisional titles in 1933, 1935, 1939, 1941, 1944, 1946, and 1958.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Co-Founder & Owner
- Team
- New York Giants
- Founded year
- 1925
- Hall of fame induction
- 1963
- Status
- Deceased
- Legacy status
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Contributor
Lore & Background
Mara purchased the NFL franchise for New York at a cost of $500. In 1929, Mara bought the entire Detroit Wolverines franchise for $10,000. Mara died in 1959 at age 71. His contributions to the NFL were recognized with his 1963 election to the charter class of 17 members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Reader's Guide
The Giants' first season attendance was so poor that Mara lost over $40,000. A game against the Chicago Bears at the Polo Grounds generated $143,000 in gate receipts, recovering all his losses for the 1925 season. In 1930, a charity exhibition game against Notre Dame All-Stars raised $115,153 for the New York City Unemployment Fund.
Did You Know?
- Mara quit school at age 13 to support his mother, working first as a theater usher and then as a newsboy.
- By age 18, Mara was an established bookmaker.
- Mara's great-granddaughters Rooney and Kate Mara are actresses.
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