Kate Mara Reveals Family’s Shocking Connection to the NFL — And Fans Are Stunned
Actress Kate Mara disclosed during an appearance on TFI Friday Unplugged on Virgin Radio UK that her family has direct connections to the founding of two NFL franchises: the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“My great-grandfather on my dad’s side founded the New York Giants, and then my great-grandpa on my mom’s side founded the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Mara said during the interview. “It’s insane.” Her great-grandfather on her father’s side was Timothy Mara, and her great-grandfather on her mother’s side was Art Rooney. Her paternal grandfather was Wellington Mara, the co-owner of the New York Giants.
Fans React With Disbelief After Interview Clip Surfaces
A clip from the interview was posted on the radio channel’s Instagram page, and the comments section filled with reactions from fans who appeared unaware of Kate’s football lineage.
“I didn’t realize she had Rooney lineage,” one commenter wrote. Others called her “NFL royalty” and “Football Royalty.” One fan wrote, “Wow, that’s pretty cool,” while another declared, “I love her even more ❤️❤️❤️!!!”
Kate Mara Debunks the Long-Circulating ‘Super Bowl Clause’ Rumor
During the same interview, Kate addressed a persistent rumor that she has a “Super Bowl clause” written into every acting contract. Her answer was blunt: “No.”
She then explained the myth’s origin. While filming 24, the Pittsburgh Steelers were in the Super Bowl and she was scheduled to work the day after the game. “At the time I didn’t have a lot of clout, so I wasn’t able to convince them to let me off that morning,” she said. “I wasn’t going to be able to make it back in time to film, and so I had to miss the Super Bowl.”
After that experience, Kate said she made a specific request for future contracts: “’Ok, well, any time moving forward if it’s near the Super Bowl, we have to make sure that if either the New York Giants or the Steelers are in, that I’ll be able to go to the Super Bowl.’” The story then took on a life of its own. “And then someone thought that that was, ‘Oh well, now she has it in every contract,’” she said.
“It’s not true,” she added.
The Mara and Rooney Families in NFL history
The Mara and Rooney families are among the most foundational names in professional football.
Tim (1887–1959) was a pioneering figure in the sport. He purchased the New York Giants franchise for just $500 in 1925, at a time when the NFL was still in its infancy. Tim remained involved with the team and the league from 1925 until his death, helping guide the Giants through the league’s fragile early decades. His leadership and willingness to invest were critical to the NFL’s survival and long-term success.
Wellington Mara (1916–2005), Tim’s son, carried that legacy forward and became one of the most respected figures in NFL history. He began working with the Giants in the 1930s and took on a larger leadership role after World War II, eventually serving as co-owner and president. His involvement with the team and the league spanned roughly seven decades, from the 1930s until his death in 2005.
Art (1901–1988) founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933. Known for his loyalty, humility and deep connection to the city of Pittsburgh, he remained closely involved with the franchise until his death in 1988 and helped build the Steelers into one of the league’s most respected organizations.
Football Runs Deep for Both Mara Sisters
Kate is not the only Mara sister to speak publicly about these ties. Her sister, actress Rooney Mara, discussed the family’s football heritage in an interview with The Scotsman in August 2013.
“I didn’t love football growing up, and I’m not obsessed with it, but it’s a huge part of my heritage,” she told the outlet. “I love both teams very much. But my dad works for the Giants, and I live in New York …”
Kate has also described the NFL as “the glue that holds our family together,” per the outlet.
Their dad, Chris Mara, also works as a player personnel executive for the Giants.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
