Wellington T. Mara: RIP.

"On a crisp autumn morning, perfect for the game he loved, New York Giants owner Wellington Mara was revered Friday as a peerless father, friend and football man at a service packed with luminaries." -- Seattle Times News Service

On the morning of October 28, the family of Wellington Mara, his countless friends, and many of the brightest stars of the National Football League past and present said goodbye to Mr. Mara, a giant in professional football and a staunch pro-lifer. As tributes flowed in following his death October 25, it is clear that the 89-year-old Mara will be greatly missed.

Although less well known, his devotion to the pro-life cause was no less complete and should not go unacknowledged. The National Right to Life Educational Trust Fund thought so highly of Mr. Mara's contribution to the cause that in 1999 it awarded him the Proudly Pro-Life Award.

Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Mara was the inspiration behind Life Athletes. Following the team's victory in Super Bowl XXI, Mara brought together six of his beloved Giants to appear in the video "Champions for Life." (See below and www.lifeathletes.org.)

I did not know the man personally, but over the years I have read scores of stories attesting to his integrity, modesty, and deep devotion to his family and the team. A story that came across the wires the day of the funeral attests to the esteem in which Mr. Mara was held: "The presence of NFL coaches from around the league, just two days before their Sunday games spoke volumes about the level of regard for Mara."

I'd like to share with you the story I wrote just prior to the 1999 Proudly Pro-Life Awards Dinner.

Wellington Mara: A Humble Champion of Unborn Babies