Friday, January 6, 2012

Football Royalty

Thanks to her role as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo, actress Rooney Mara is a recognized name now. Hers is a very recognized name in football circles. Rooney and Mara are like royalty in the NFL. Only the name Halas has been present longer. Rooney Mara's great-grandfather Tim Mara brought the New York Giants to the league in 1925. Eight years later her great-grandfather Art Rooney introduced his Pittsburgh Steelers. Mara actually helped pave the way for Rooney.

Rooney Mara is the daughter of Timothy Mara, current vice president of player evaluation for the Giants, and Kathleen McNulty (ne Rooney). Rooney Mara grew up as a regular at Giants games and functions. Long time owner Wellington Mara was a constant in her life. Current owner John Mara is her uncle. She didn't much care for football as a kid but appreciates her unique connection to the game more now.

When I first noticed her name a few years ago, likely before her role in The Social Network, I thought that it was a real cool football name. I had no idea that her name was a real football name.

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