10 Mind-Blowing Facts You Never Knew About House Of Cards

7. Kate Mara's Contract Had A Football Clause

Ditching plucky investigate reporter Zoe Barnes early into the show's second season may have been a mistake €“ a mistake that the actress had to keep a secret for the entirety of the filming of that series to avoid spoiler, no less €“ in the long run it might have worked out better for Kate Mara. At least now she doesn't miss the football. Apparently Mara is a huge fan of American-style football (the wussy rugby one). It's in her blood, after all, what with her family tree including New York Giants owner John Mara and Dan Rooney, the chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers. She missed the Steelers win during Super Bowl XL because of filming House Of Cards. So after that point, she's had it put not only in her House Of Cards contract but in all future contracts that if either the Giants or the Steelers play the Super Bowl again, she's got permission to leave the set and go see it. She's since seen the Giants win Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, and the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.