Fans of long-suffering NFL franchises like the New York Giants often find solace in humor, using laughter as a coping mechanism for disappointing seasons. Giants owner John Mara seems to have embraced that same philosophy, as evidenced by his reaction to a recent viral commercial featuring former Giants star Saquon Barkley.
The Viral Ad and Mara’s Reaction
Barkley, now a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles, starred in a cheeky commercial that appeared to troll his former team. In the ad, Barkley sings a soothing lullaby aimed at helping people troubled by football-related anxieties.
The ad playfully references a moment from the Giants’ offseason, as seen on Hard Knocks, where Mara famously said, “I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia,” during a conversation with General Manager Joe Schoen.
Apparently, Mara caught wind of the commercial and decided to turn the joke back on Barkley. The Giants owner revealed he called Barkley to address the ad in a lighthearted manner.
“I called him before the game and told him I was very upset with him based on our relationship of so many years,” Mara said. “And he said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘The least you could have done is ask me to be in the commercial with you.’”
Mara went on to joke about how he could have contributed to the ad. “I said, ‘I could have been tossing and turning, and it would have been a great addition.’ I told him, ‘There is an acting gene in our family. It’s not just my nieces.’”
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A Family of Performers
For those unfamiliar, John Mara is the uncle of Hollywood actresses Kate Mara (House of Cards) and Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). His quip about the family’s acting talents added a humorous touch to the conversation, blending his football persona with his connection to the entertainment world.
A Tough Season for the Giants
The lighthearted exchange came at the end of a grueling 3-14 season for the Giants, one that left fans questioning the direction of the franchise. Mara recently announced his decision to retain head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen despite the team’s struggles, signaling his confidence in their ability to turn things around. However, Mara’s handling of Barkley’s departure and quarterback Daniel Jones’ situation has left many fans frustrated.
Looking Ahead
Mara’s ability to laugh at himself and engage with Barkley on a personal level is a refreshing moment in an otherwise challenging time for the Giants. It also underscores the deep history and personal connections that often extend beyond the field in professional sports.
While the Giants’ future remains uncertain, Mara’s willingness to embrace humor might provide a small glimmer of hope for a fanbase desperate for brighter days.
Whether his faith in Daboll and Schoen pays off remains to be seen, but at least Mara knows how to make the best of a bad situation—even if it means being trolled by one of his former stars.
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