EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Ahead of the New York Giants’ disheartening 35-14 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, co-owner John Mara was once again subjected to an aerial protest regarding the state of his struggling football team.
Before kickoff, a small aircraft flew over MetLife Stadium, carrying a banner that boldly stated: “Mr. Mara Enough — We won’t stop until you fire everyone.” The message echoed the frustrations of many fans who have witnessed the team’s decline, particularly targeting head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen as likely candidates for dismissal following consecutive disappointing seasons.
This incident marked the second consecutive week in which a plane was employed for a similar demonstration, stemming from the Giants’ seventh losing season since 2017. With Sunday’s loss, New York extended its current losing streak to nine games, tying a franchise record, and left the team with a dismal home record of 0-8 this season.
In response to the situation, Daboll encouraged maintaining focus on what the team could control, despite the palpable frustration from fans and the noteworthy protest in the sky. He claimed he hadn’t noticed the banners while preparing for the game.
A week prior, a different plane had flown over the stadium, demanding that Mara take steps to revamp a roster that has only made playoff appearances twice since claiming the Super Bowl title in February 2012. That banner conveyed a sense of urgency with the message: “Mr. Mara, enough. Please fix this dumpster fire!”
Mara has chosen not to comment on these aerial protests and was unavailable for immediate feedback regarding the most recent incident. The planes are typically seen around the stadium by mid-morning on game days, although many players are not on the field during that time for pre-game warm-ups.
Linebacker Brian Burns mentioned that he had not seen the protest plane and opted not to comment on its message. Veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton acknowledged the fans’ right to express their dissatisfaction, noting that while the Giants possessed a talented roster, some adjustments were necessary. “We just have to do a couple of things a little bit better to get it back on the right direction,” Slayton stated after the game.
The Giants had experienced a brief resurgence in the 2022 season, reaching the playoffs with a record of 9-7-1 in Daboll and Schoen’s inaugural campaign. However, the team’s dramatic downturn has raised serious concerns.
Facing the Ravens, the Giants were 16-point underdogs, an unusual situation for a home team in the NFL, and ultimately did not meet the challenge. The origins of the protest planes remain unclear, as no one has publicly taken responsibility for the action.
Historically, aerial protests against the team are not new. In the late 1970s, a similar plane carried a banner that read “15 Years of Lousy Football. … We’ve Had Enough,” reflecting the frustration of fans during a period when the team struggled significantly. Between 1973 and 1979, the Giants failed to secure more than six wins in any single season, culminating in dire performances that left a lasting impression on the franchise’s fanbase.
