22 Quotes by John Mara

I don't believe this would have occurred without his involvement. He was there at all the critical times to push one side or another, including the sports authority. It's been a dream of his for quite some time.

He was the finest man we've ever known or will ever hope to know, ... and he was our dad.

He'll stay there as long as he's able to do it.

He never gave up his will to live. He tried so hard to get out of bed and walk. He fought to the very end, and he never complained. His faith never wavered.

He said he was very much in support of our project, but that he needed some time to familiarize himself with the details of the deal.

I went to visit him in the hospital after we lost the San Diego game. He knew that game was going to be tough for Eli because we all did. But then I think he opened everybody's eyes with the way he took us down the field, the way he hung in there all night. And that day in the hospital, Dad smiled and said, 'Hey, we might have something here.' And I realized he was talking about this year.

Our guy did pretty well this year. We won 11 games. I think it will be better to try and judge it at the end of their careers, not at this point. ...

Paul will be remembered as one of the greatest commissioners in the history of professional sports. When Paul succeeded Pete Rozelle as commissioner, he had big shoes to fill, as everybody was quick to remind him. In his own style, he went about the task of filling those shoes, and the results speak for themselves. During his tenure, the National Football League has enjoyed unparalleled popularity, prosperity and labor peace, thanks largely to Paul Tagliabue.

I will walk away from this project rather than put a roof on it.