Quick Facts: Timothy Christopher Mara
- Full Name: Timothy Christopher Mara
- Birthday: March 11, 1957
- Age: 68 years old
- Birthplace: United States
- Father: Wellington Mara (former NY Giants co-owner)
- Grandfather: Tim Mara Sr. (founded NY Giants in 1925)
- Wife: Kathleen McNulty Rooney
- Daughters: Kate Mara, Rooney Mara
- Known For: NY Giants football dynasty, father of Hollywood actresses
- Education: Springfield College (attended as a freshman)
Timothy Christopher Mara isn’t the kind of name that pops up on magazine covers or Hollywood red carpets, but his influence runs deep through two of America’s most recognizable worlds: professional football and the entertainment industry. Born on March 11, 1957, he’s the man behind a family legacy that stretches from the gridiron of the NFL all the way to the silver screen. If you’ve heard of the New York Giants or watched a film starring Kate or Rooney Mara, you’ve already brushed up against the Mara family story — and Timothy sits right at its center.
Early Life
Timothy Christopher Mara grew up surrounded by football royalty. His father, Wellington Mara, was one of the most respected figures in the history of the National Football League, having co-owned the New York Giants for decades. His grandfather, Tim Mara Sr., literally started the whole thing — purchasing the Giants franchise back in 1925 for just $500, a move that would eventually build one of the most storied organizations in American sports.
Growing up in a household where Sunday football wasn’t just entertainment but the family business shaped Timothy from a young age. He wasn’t sheltered from the demands of running an NFL team. Conversations around the dinner table often revolved around draft picks, player evaluations, and game strategy. It was the kind of upbringing that gave him a front-row seat to every major decision the Giants made during some of their most successful years.
Timothy attended Springfield College as a freshman, a school known for its strong athletic tradition and its connection to the birth of basketball. While his time there didn’t lead to a playing career on the field, the discipline and competitive spirit he picked up served him well as he moved into the organizational side of football.
The Mara Family Dynasty and the NY Giants
To understand Timothy Christopher Mara, you’ve got to understand the dynasty he was born into. The Mara family didn’t just own a football team — they helped build the NFL itself.
His grandfather, Tim Mara Sr., was a bookmaker from New York’s Lower East Side who took a chance on professional football when it was still a scrappy, unproven venture. That $500 investment in 1925 turned into one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. The Giants became a founding pillar of the NFL, and the Mara family became synonymous with the league’s growth and success.
Wellington Mara, Timothy’s father, took the reins and ran the Giants for over 50 years. He was a beloved figure across the league — known for his integrity, his dedication to the sport, and his insistence that the NFL should operate as a partnership among its owners. Wellington was instrumental in pushing for revenue sharing, the very model that keeps the league competitive today. When he passed away in 2005, the entire NFL mourned.
Timothy’s brother, John Mara, eventually became the Giants’ president and CEO, carrying on the family tradition of direct involvement in the team’s operations. Another family member, Chris Mara, served as the senior vice president of player personnel. The Mara family’s grip on the Giants wasn’t just symbolic — they were involved in every facet of the organization, from scouting to front-office management.
The Rooney Connection
The Mara family’s NFL influence doesn’t stop with the Giants. Through Timothy’s marriage to Kathleen McNulty Rooney, the family is directly tied to the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty. Kathleen is the daughter of Timothy James Rooney and a member of the Rooney family, who founded the Steelers in 1933. This marriage joined two of the most powerful families in professional football, creating a bloodline that’s connected to multiple Super Bowl championships on both sides.
It’s rare in any industry to see two families with this level of combined influence, but in the NFL, the Mara-Rooney connection is practically unmatched.
His Famous Daughters: Kate and Rooney Mara
While the Mara name has been tied to football for nearly a century, Timothy’s daughters took the family legacy in a completely different direction — and thrived doing it.
Kate Mara, born in 1983, broke out as an actress with her unforgettable role as Zoe Barnes in Netflix’s House of Cards. She’s also appeared in films like The Martian, Megan Leavey, and Fantastic Four. Kate married actor Jamie Bell, and together they’ve built their own family while staying connected to the Mara roots.
Rooney Mara, born in 1985, earned an Academy Award nomination for her breakout performance in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She’s gone on to star in critically acclaimed films like Carol, A Ghost Story, and Mary Magdalene. Her relationship with actor Joaquin Phoenix has kept the Mara name in entertainment headlines for years.
What’s remarkable about both Kate and Rooney is that they didn’t rely on the family name to open doors in Hollywood. They auditioned, took small roles, and worked their way up. Timothy and Kathleen raised daughters who understood work ethic — likely a trait passed down from generations of Maras who built something from nothing.
Career
Timothy Christopher Mara has largely stayed out of the public spotlight compared to other members of his family. While his brother John took on the high-profile role of running the Giants and his daughters became household names in Hollywood, Timothy carved out his own path within the organization’s structure.
He’s been involved in the Giants’ scouting and player evaluation efforts, a role that requires a sharp eye for talent and an understanding of the game that goes far beyond what fans see on Sundays. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t generate headlines but directly impacts whether a team wins or loses. Player evaluation is where championships are built — identifying which college athletes can make the leap to the pros, which free agents are worth the investment, and which draft picks will pay off years down the road.
Timothy’s approach to his career reflects the Mara family philosophy: do the work, trust the process, and let the results speak for themselves. He’s never been one to chase media attention or position himself as the face of the franchise. That quiet dedication is something the people inside the Giants’ organization have long respected.
Personal Life
Timothy Christopher Mara married Kathleen McNulty Rooney, cementing the bond between the Mara and Rooney families. Together, they raised their children — including Kate and Rooney — in a household that valued both athletic excellence and personal ambition.
Despite being connected to two of the NFL’s most prominent families, Timothy has kept his personal life remarkably private. He doesn’t do press tours. He doesn’t show up on talk shows. He’s the kind of person who lets his family members take the spotlight while he stays focused on what matters to him behind closed doors.
The Mara family also includes Timothy’s siblings and their children, creating a large extended network that remains closely tied to the Giants. Family gatherings aren’t just reunions — they’re practically NFL board meetings. His sons, including Conor Mara and Daniel Mara, carry the family name into the next generation.
Timothy turns 68 today, March 11, 2026, and while he’s never sought the limelight, his role in shaping one of America’s most influential families is undeniable.
Net Worth
Timothy Christopher Mara’s exact net worth hasn’t been publicly disclosed, but it’s safe to say he’s sitting on significant wealth. The New York Giants are valued at over $6 billion, making them one of the most valuable sports franchises on the planet. As a member of the family that owns the team, Timothy’s share of that fortune — even in a family as large as the Maras — represents substantial financial security.
Combined with the Rooney family’s wealth through the Pittsburgh Steelers (valued at over $4 billion), the Mara-Rooney household is tied to nearly $10 billion in professional football assets alone. That doesn’t account for additional investments, real estate, or other business ventures the family may hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Timothy Christopher Mara?
Timothy Christopher Mara is a member of the Mara family, which owns the New York Giants. He’s the son of legendary Giants co-owner Wellington Mara and the father of actresses Kate Mara and Rooney Mara.
How is Timothy Mara related to the NY Giants?
His grandfather, Tim Mara Sr., founded the New York Giants in 1925. His father, Wellington Mara, co-owned the team for over 50 years. His brother, John Mara, currently serves as the team’s president and CEO.
Who are Timothy Mara’s famous daughters?
Kate Mara, known for House of Cards and The Martian, and Rooney Mara, known for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Carol, are both Timothy’s daughters.
Is Timothy Mara related to the Rooney family?
Yes. Timothy married Kathleen McNulty Rooney, connecting the Mara family (NY Giants) with the Rooney family (Pittsburgh Steelers). It’s one of the most powerful family connections in NFL history.
How old is Timothy Christopher Mara?
Timothy Christopher Mara was born on March 11, 1957, making him 68 years old.
