Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Virginia McCaskey, Chicago Bears Owner, Passes Away at 102
Virginia McCaskey, the esteemed principal owner of the Chicago Bears, has passed away at the age of 102. Her tenure as owner is marked by dedication and a profound connection to the NFL franchise founded by her father, George Halas.
An Enduring Legacy
Virginia McCaskey became the owner of the Chicago Bears in 1983 after inheriting the team following her father’s death. George Halas was not only the founder of the Bears but also their first coach, leaving behind a legacy that Virginia carried with pride. The McCaskey family has expressed their sorrow at her passing, emphasizing the love and respect they had for her.
A Life Full of Love and Faith
In a heartfelt statement, the family shared, “While we are sad, we are comforted knowing Virginia Halas McCaskey lived a long, full, faith-filled life and is now with the love of her life on earth.” This reflection highlights her strong values of family and faith, which guided her decisions throughout her life.
Four Decades of Leadership
Throughout her leadership of the Bears, Virginia McCaskey was known for making decisions that prioritized the well-being of players, coaches, staff, and fans. Under her stewardship, the Bears secured their lone Super Bowl title in 1986, triumphing over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. This achievement was significantly credited to the famed Bears defense of 1985, known as the “Monsters of the Midway.”
Tributes from the NFL Community
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was quick to honor McCaskey following the announcement of her passing. He remarked, “Virginia Halas McCaskey, the matriarch of the Chicago Bears and daughter of George Halas, the founder of the NFL, leaves a legacy of class, dignity, and humanity.”
Goodell emphasized the values that McCaskey cherished: “Faith, family, and football – in that order – were her north stars, and she lived by the simple adage to always ‘do the right thing.'” His words reflect the high regard in which McCaskey was held throughout the sports community.
A Lifelong Commitment to the Bears
Born Virginia Marion Halas in 1923 in Chicago, she went on to pursue a degree in business management at Drexel University. In 1943, she married Ed McCaskey, with whom she had eleven children. Ed passed away in 2008, and Virginia subsequently became the longest-tenured owner in any of the major U.S. sports leagues.
A Fond Farewell
As the sports world mourns the passing of Virginia McCaskey, her influence on the Chicago Bears and American football remains indelible. The principled leadership and compassionate spirit she demonstrated throughout her life have left an enduring mark on the franchise and beyond. Her legacy will be remembered by fans and players alike.
Virginia’s story is one of love, leadership, and loyalty. Her journey in the football world serves as an inspiration, illustrating the profound impact one individual can have on a community.
