Ann Mara will not be challenging Terry Bradshaw to a fistfight, at least not before Super Bowl XLVI.
The grand matriarch of the New York Giants, who became an Internet sensation for confronting the Fox broadcaster during the Giants' victory ceremony Sunday night, broke her shoulder in a fall after returning from San Francisco.
"It is true," her son, John, wrote in an email. "She went right to church after we arrived home Monday am and fell on the way back from communion. Broke her shoulder. She is 'probable' for SB."
Ann Mara, 82, poked a finger at Bradshaw and called for his attention as he attempted to interview Victor Cruz following the Giants' 20-17 NFC Championship Game victory over the San Francisco 49ers. As her son John tried to persuade her to leave Bradshaw alone, Mara persisted and barked, "Hey, you never pick the Giants!"
"I know, I know, I'm sorry," said the former four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. "I'm getting hammered for not picking the Giants."
The exchange went viral on the Internet, leaving the great-grandmother as something of a hero among the Giants.
"You have to laugh," Eli Manning said. "Mrs. Mara, you see her and you think, 'Sweet Mrs. Mara.' But she is obviously very passionate about Giants football and passionate about this team and involved and knows players. I like her attitude. I like the way she spoke her mind about something she cares deeply about."
Asked if he would ever cross Ann Mara, Manning said, "Never. Not Mrs. Mara. She's the boss."
As Mara was recovering in her Westchester County home Tuesday, her spirits were lifted by the news that one of her 42 grandchildren, Rooney Mara, was nominated for an Academy Award in the best actress category for her role in "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo."
Ian O'Connor is a columnist for ESPNNewYork.com.