League patriarch Mara dies at 89
Every NFL fan owes a huge debt to Wellington Mara, who died Tuesday at 89.
So does every owner, executive and player.
Mara, who joined the New York Giants as a ballboy the day his father purchased the team 80 years ago and became co-owner as a teenager, was the face of the franchise for more than a half century.
But he also was the patriarch of the NFL, a man who was willing for more than 40 years to split the millions in television revenues he could have made in the nation’s largest market with teams such as Green Bay and Pittsburgh.
It put the NFL at the top of America’s sports hierarchy.
“He shaped nearly every rule and philosophy we have in our league today,” said Ernie Accorsi, the Giants’ general manager. “Most of all, he was the moral conscience of the National Football League. He now joins the pantheon of incredible men who made this league what it has become.”
Said Commissioner Paul Tagliabue: “Wellington Mara represented the heart and soul of the National Football League. He was a man of deep conviction who stood as a beacon of integrity. When Well Mara stood to speak at a league meeting, the room would become silent with anticipation because all of us knew we were going to hear profound insights born of eight decades of league experience.”
The last of the NFL’s founding generation, Mara, elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997, died of cancer at his home in Rye, N.Y., the team said.
One of Mara’s greatest contributions came in the early 1960s when he and brother Jack agreed to share television revenue on a league wide basis soon after Pete Rozelle became commissioner. That deal allowed the NFL to thrive and remains in place today.
“Wellington Mara was a true pioneer who understood what it took to make the National Football League great,” said Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association. “History will show that his vision, integrity and willingness to share with small market clubs paved the way for economic success.”
“An NFL owners meeting scheduled for today and Thursday in Kansas City, Mo., has been called off because of Mara’s death. No rescheduling date has been set.
Fisher lands starting nod
Tony Fisher is a fine third-down running back, whether catching passes out of the backfield, blocking defenders, picking up blitzers or scampering for first downs.
Now the third-year pro, who went undrafted out of Notre Dame, is going to be the featured tailback in Green Bay’s offense with starter Ahman Green (torn thigh tendon) joining No. 2 running back Najeh Davenport (ankle) on injured reserve.
“There’s always mixed emotions because if you’re going to become one of the men, you don’t want to have to do it under circumstances of people getting hurt,” Fisher said.
Fisher, who has 20 yards on 14 carries, will make his second career start Sunday when the Packers (1-5) visit Cincinnati (5-2).
Around the league
With Pro Bowler David Akers still recovering from a hamstring injury, Philadelphia claimed place-kicker Jose Cortez off waivers from Dallas. Philadelphia released Todd France, who had been doing the kicking for them, to pick up Cortez, who was waived after missing a 29-yard field goal attempt during Sunday’s 13-10 loss to Seattle. … Cleveland placed cornerback Gary Baxter on injured reserve, ending his season, and promoted rookie wide receiver Brandon Rideau from the practice squad. … Indianapolis waived cornerback Donald Strickland and defensive end Nathaniel Adibi, both of whom had been placed on injured reserve and would have missed the rest of the season. … Cornerback Willie Middlebrooks re-signed with San Francisco and center Norm Katnik was sent back to the practice squad. … Minnesota defensive tackle Kevin Williams was placed on a year’s probation and fined $1,000 after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct in a domestic dispute. Williams, who entered his plea in Hennepin County District Court, acknowledged having a loud argument with his wife, Tasha, at their Minnetonka, Minn., home in August. … One day after the surprise release of receiver Charles Lee, Arizona re-signed wide receiver-kick returner J.J. Moses.