Some New York Giants fans will be upset with the team’s victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18, but you won’t find a single player or coach in the locker room who wasn’t amped up after the 34-17 win.
The team dedicated the victory to owner John Mara, who has been the steward of the franchise since his father, Wellington Mara, passed away in 2005.
In fact, he was given a game ball after Sunday’s win, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
It was revealed back in September that Mara had been diagnosed and is battling cancer.
“John Mara was given a game ball following Sunday’s Giants season finale. He’s battling cancer,” Raanan wrote in a post on X.
“Bobby Okereke basically said Mara told the players he can jog to his treatments after days like this. Lifts his spirits. Interim coach Mike Kafka gave him the game ball.”
Mike Kafka Praises John Mara’s Fight and Resiliancy
Interim head coach Mike Kafka was asked about the New York Giants’ owner receiving a game ball.
“It was great, it was great to have him around, it was great to have him around the facility and the players and the coach. I mean, he just, you know, he brings that energy to the locker room. He was there today, we presented him with the game ball, talked about toughness and resiliency,” Kafka told reporters.
“Talk about toughness and resiliency, he’s the poster child for that”
“You know, he’s the poster child for that and coming up and still continuing to lead our organization. You know, very happy and very proud, very fortunate to work for a man like that.”
Mara certainly has shown toughness and resilience during his ongoing battle with cancer, and as evidenced by the Giants who echoed Kafka’s sentiments after the game, it’s clear he’s touched every player in that locker room.
Abdul Carter Wants More for John Mara
The New York Giants No. 3 overall pick in this past year’s draft, Abdul Carter, was vocal in the locker room after the game about wanting to improve, for Mara’s sake.
“Giving that game ball to Mr. Mara is fine, but he deserves more. This franchise, everybody deserves more. He would be much more happy if we were in the playoffs, having a winning record, that’s what I tried to say at the end,” Carter told reporters.
“Giving that game ball to Mr. Mara is fine, but he deserves more. This franchise, everybody deserves more. He would be much more happy if we were in the playoffs, having a winning
“Next year, we’ve got to come with a whole different mentality, make sure that we’re never in this position again.”
Jaxson Dart Appreciates Everything John Mara Gives to Giants
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart also voiced his support for the team owner, thanking him for everything he does for the New York Giants organization.
“Yeah, obviously, he’s gone through a lot. So the fact that he shows up for us, still comes to the facility to work. And he loves ball, he loves this organization, he gives it everything that he has,” Dart said.
Jaxson Dart was asked about John Mara:
“And from my perspective and everybody around here just has the utmost respect for him and is rooting for him and praying for him. And yeah, I just think that he’s a special individual. And to continue to support us while he’s going through probably the hardest time of his life right now, it just says a lot. Obviously.”
Given all the players’ kind words, you can tell Mara has been a positive force for Big Blue over his tenure.
Let’s hope he has a speedy recovery.
Giants Players React to John Mara’s Game Ball Amid Battle With Cancer