Virginia McCaskey, Chicago Bears Owner and NFL Pioneer, Passes Away at 102
Virginia McCaskey, the principal owner of the Chicago Bears and daughter of team founder George Halas, passed away on Thursday at the age of 102. The Bears announced her death, highlighting her four-decade stewardship of the franchise, during which she prioritized the well-being of players, coaches, staff, and fans. McCaskey, who inherited the team after her father’s death in 1983, was known for her quiet yet firm leadership, ensuring the Bears remained a family-owned organization.
Born in 1923, McCaskey was the eldest of George Halas’ two children. Her younger brother, George “Mugs” Halas Jr., was initially groomed to take over the team but died unexpectedly in 1979, leaving McCaskey as the sole heir. Despite her reluctance to step into the spotlight, she became a respected figure in the NFL, guiding the Bears through significant milestones, including their Super Bowl XX victory in 1986.
McCaskey’s leadership style was marked by humility and a deep sense of responsibility. She often referred to herself as a “custodian” of her father’s legacy, emphasizing the importance of passing it on to future generations. Her son, George McCaskey, currently serves as the team’s chairman, continuing the family’s tradition of ownership.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised McCaskey’s legacy, noting her commitment to faith, family, and football. “She lived by the simple adage to always ‘do the right thing,’” Goodell said. “The Bears that her father started meant the world to her, and he would be proud of the way she continued the family business with such dedication and passion.”
McCaskey’s tenure also saw the establishment of the Bears Care program in 2005, which has donated over $31.5 million to support health and wellness initiatives in the Chicago area. She is survived by nine of her 11 children, 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, Ed McCaskey, passed away in 2003.
Tributes poured in from across the sports world, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago sports executives honoring her contributions to the Bears and the city. McCaskey’s passing marks the end of an era for the Bears, but her legacy as a trailblazer and devoted steward of her father’s vision will endure.
Virginia McCaskey, principal owner of the Chicago Bears and George Halas’ daughter, dies at 102
Virginia McCaskey preferred the role of cheerleader and caretaker of the Chicago Bears to that of power broker. But nobody made a major decision witho
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McCaskey, longtime Bears owner, dies at 102
Bears principal owner Virginia Halas McCaskey, the daughter of Hall of Fame team founder George Halas, died Thursday. She was 102.
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Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey dies at 102
Virginia McCaskey, longtime owner of the Chicago Bears, has died at age 102, the team announced Thursday.
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Virginia Halas McCaskey, longtime Bears owner and matriarch, dies at 102, team announces
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Virginia Halas McCaskey, the longtime owner and matriarch of the Chicago Bears, died Thursday at 102, the team announced in a news
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Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey passes away
Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey passes away
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