YOU won’t find the two members of the Giants organization with the best football pedigree on the field this weekend. But before you get outraged, know this: Even though they’re young, hungry and have extensive knowledge of the game, taken together, their combined weight wouldn’t add up to one regular lineman’s leg. Also, they’re girls, and that might make the post-game shower a bit awkward.
PHOTOS: Pigskin Princess Kate Mara
They’re Kate and Rooney Mara, and their pigskin bloodline is impeccable. One great-grandfather founded the Giants, the other founded the Steelers, and members of their family are still tied up with both teams, including their father, Chris, who is Big Blue’s vice president of player evaluation. Both sisters are currently actors in LA. Kate appeared in “Shooter,” “We Are Marshall” and last summer’s thriller “Transsiberian,” while Rooney (who’s two years younger) will next be seen in February’s “Youth in Revolt” with Michael Cera.
In anticipation of the Giants first playoff game this weekend, the two submitted to a list of sometimes relevant, occasionally dumb, football questions.
KATE
Best bit of football wisdom your grandfather gave you?
Basically, all of my passion for the game comes from my grandfather. I know he [Wellington Mara] loved old-school Giants football. I’ve inherited that. I like traditions, and the national anthem is important.
Strangest thing you’ve seen in the locker room?
I’ve only been in one twice in my whole life: last year at the Green Bay game and at the Super Bowl. All the players were going crazy, champagne bottles being opened. Then you look around and they’re attempting to change, and at that point, my dad was like, “I think it’s time for you girls to leave.” It was surreal.
Best piece of advice for the 0-16 Lions?
Well, you can’t get any worse. You can only go up from there.
Better stadium: Heinz Field or Giants Stadium?
Giants Stadium. I’m sad to see the stadium we grew up in go away. It’s such a huge memory for us. I remember being little and playing football on the field after games. Heinz Field, I’ve only been to a few times, not having grown up in Pittsburgh.
Best seat in Giants Stadium?
The owner’s box. A lot of friends will go excited to go the game and go down to the field and assume that’s the best place to watch. To me, it’s impossible to see anything. And it’s a little scary. You never know who will come charging at you.
Song you’d be OK never hearing again at the stadium?
Nothing stands out but, then again, we’re sort of immune to it sitting in the box. You don’t hear it as much.
Should the Jets be forced to get their own stadium?
I don’t care as long as it’s called Giants Stadium.
What happens if the Steelers play the Giants in the Super Bowl?
Rooting for the offense is the safe way to go. You win either way.
Giants player you’re tightest with?
I’m not that close with any of them. There are a few that my family becomes close with, so we see them. [Lawrence Taylor] is the player I’m always so excited to see, and I’m not like that with any other celebrity.
Favorite thing to eat at the game?
Who doesn’t like a hot pretzel?
Relationship you find most interesting: Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson or Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen?
Brady and Gisele. They’re both at the top of their game, and they’re too of the most beautiful people alive. It’s fascinating.
Would you ever date a football player?
Never say never, but they’d have to be on the right team, wouldn’t they?
Should Plaxico eventually be allowed back to the Giants?
Everybody has to be responsible for their own actions – and if they do something wrong, I believe in paying for it. I wasn’t in New York when it happened, and my mom and dad were saying, “You have no idea how much bigger this is than what I’m sure you’ve read.” It’s horrible.
How will you celebrate if the Giants win the Super Bowl?
Same way as last year: with my family, drinking.
Drink of choice during a game?
I’m boring. I don’t drink alcohol. I like to have full use of my brain, so I drink Diet Coke.
Feelings on the Puppy Bowl?
I’ve never even heard of that, but I’ve got two dogs, so I’ll check that out.
Should Giants have cheerleaders?
No. I love the fact that the Giants and the Steelers don’t have them. It’s been that way for quite some time now. I wish no teams had cheerleaders. I find it more distracting than anything else.
ROONEY
Best bit of football wisdom your grandfather gave you?
Through Wellington, after he passed away, the thing I learned about football was how important it is to my family. It’s the glue that holds our family together.
Strangest thing you’ve seen in the locker room?
I guess seeing grown men walk around naked is quite alarming when you’re 5-foot-2 and they’re towering over you.
Best piece of advice for the 0-16 Lions?
Keep going. The Giants, I feel, have always been an underdog, aside from this season. You can’t give up.
Better stadium: Heinz Field or Giants Stadium?
My mom is really mad about this, but I’ve never been to Heinz Field. I love Giants Stadium. I’m sad that they’re building a new one.
Best seat in Giants Stadium?
I always have to sit in the box, but I love sitting outside – when it’s not freezing. My brother likes going out on the field, but you can’t see the game from the field.
Song you’d be OK never hearing again at the stadium?
I can’t think of annoying songs that they play all the time. You can’t hear it in the box anyway.
Should the Jets be forced to get their own stadium?
Um, no comment.
What happens if the Steelers play the Giants in the Super Bowl?
I’ve been thinking a lot about that. I’d be happy either way, because I’d have half of a happy family, but I have to say, I think I’d root for the Giants.
Giants player you’re tightest with?
I’m not friends with the players, unfortunately, but my favorite player is Eli Manning. He’s so nice and friendly. I’ve met him a few times, but we don’t hang out on the weekends.
Favorite thing to eat at the game?
I love the chicken fingers and french fries.
Relationship you find most interesting: Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson or Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen?
I’m a bigger fan of Brady and Gisele. They’re just hot, both of them.
Would you ever date a football player?
Yeah, if there was one I liked. I don’t think I’d like one on the Eagles or Cowboys, but you never know.
Should Plaxico eventually be allowed back to the Giants?
I’m always for second chances. He’s an amazing player who has some issues to work out. But I don’t know. That’s more of a personnel question.
How will you celebrate if the Giants win the Super Bowl?
I think I’ll go to Disney World. Not really. But I missed the parade last year, so that’s how I’ll celebrate. I’ll definitely go to that, if they have one.
Drink of choice during a game?
Depends if they’re winning or losing. But I don’t really drink during the game. I’m with my family, so bottled water.
Feelings on the Puppy Bowl?
I’ve never seen it. But I love puppies and it sounds quite genius.
Should Giants have cheerleaders?
No. They’re so lame. My grandpa was always vehemently against cheerleaders. It distracts the players and takes away from the game. Do you really need these half-naked women running around?