The New York Giants honored owner John Mara with a game ball following a significant victory against the Dallas Cowboys on January 7, 2024. This moment marked not only a crucial win for the team but also served as a morale booster for Mara, who has been battling an undisclosed form of cancer for the past three months. The Giants triumphed with a score of 34-17, securing their first win over their arch-rivals since 2020.
With this victory, the Giants concluded the season with a record of 4-13, finishing one game better than the previous year’s performance. This season also saw the Giants achieve wins against both the Eagles and Cowboys, a first since 2020. The emotional significance of the game was palpable, especially for Mara, who received the game ball as a tribute to his resilience during a challenging time.
Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger shared how the victory affected Mara’s spirits. “He mentioned he’s jogging to his treatments now because of this,” Bellinger said. “He’s got to be the toughest guy in the locker room, regardless of what everybody else is going through. He’s resilient as a guy, and we respect him as our leader, our owner.”
The win over Dallas, combined with other results from around the NFL, prevented the Giants from securing a top-two draft pick. Mara has consistently prioritized wins over draft positioning, a policy that reflects his commitment to building a competitive team. Giants captain Andrew Thomas expressed the team’s dedication to Mara, stating, “It’s a great feeling of winning the game for Mara. You can tell he cares about this place; there’s a lot of legacy with his family, it means a lot to him.”
Looking ahead, the Giants will focus on finding a new head coach and making strategic moves during the 2026 offseason. As the organization navigates this transition, the players remain united in their support for Mara, hoping for his recovery and return to the team. “We want to win every game we play, and more importantly, we want to do it more consistently,” Thomas added. “We know he’s going through a tough situation, so we’re praying for him and hoping he can get healthy.”
The Giants and their supporters will continue to rally behind Mara, as his leadership remains a source of inspiration for the team. As they prepare for the future, the focus will be on building a team that honors his legacy and commitment to the franchise.
