Wellington Mara was one of the greatest sports figures ever to graduate from Fordham. He was a man whose entire lifetime was dedicated to professional football. In 1925 his father, Tim, purchased the New York Football Giants franchise. Eight years later, Well went to his first training camp. Over the ensuing 37 years, with the exception of a World War II hitch as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, was a vital part of the Giant and pro football scene.
 
In 1930, Wellington and his brother Jack were named part owners of the New York Giants by their father. Together they led the club to five NFL Championship games between 1958 and 1963. Under Wellington's leadership, the New York Giants have 26 postseason appearances, 18 NFL divisional championships, and 6 NFL championships, including the Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV titles.
 
Mr. Mara served his community as a board member on the Giants Foundation, a charitable organization founded by the New York Giants to provide financial and social support for disadvantaged youths in the New York Metropolitan Area.