CHICAGO: Virginia Halas McCaskey, the longtime owner of the Chicago Bears and daughter of NFL co-founder George Halas, passed away at the age of 102, the team announced on Thursday.
“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,” the McCaskey family said in a statement, as reported by CBS News. “She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff, and fans.”
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Role in Chicago Bears History
McCaskey became the Bears’ principal owner in 1983 following the passing of her father, George Halas, who co-founded the team in 1920. Over the next four decades, she played a vital role in preserving the team’s legacy. Her tenure saw the franchise reach significant milestones, including its Super Bowl XX victory in 1985.
A central figure in the team’s operations, McCaskey remained deeply connected to the organization and its fanbase. She was regularly seen at games and actively participated in charitable initiatives.
“Mrs. McCaskey understood not only her father’s love and appreciation of football but also the love of the Chicago Bears by its fans. She always kept in mind what the Bears meant to the City of Chicago and what the city meant to the Bears,” the Bears said in a statement, as reported by CBS News.
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Steady Leadership in Changing Times
Throughout her ownership, McCaskey navigated the Bears through periods of success and struggle. The franchise enjoyed great achievements in the 1980s but also endured challenges in later years. Despite the ups and downs, she remained a steadfast leader, celebrating victories with grace and sharing the heartbreak of losses with fans.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell paid tribute to her in a statement: “Virginia Halas McCaskey leaves a legacy of class, dignity, and humanity. Faith, family, and football – in that order – were her north stars,” he said.
A Family Business Through Generations
While McCaskey was the team’s principal owner for over 40 years, she delegated daily operations to her late husband, Ed McCaskey, and later her children. Ed served as the Bears’ chairman until his passing in 2003. Their eldest son, Michael McCaskey, took over as chairman until 2011, when his brother, George McCaskey, assumed the role.
Virginia McCaskey is survived by six sons, three daughters, 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Her late husband, Ed, passed away in 2003, while sons Timothy and Michael also preceded her in death.
Uncertain Future for Bears Ownership
With McCaskey’s passing, questions remain about the future of the team’s ownership. The family has not yet announced how her controlling interest in the franchise will be handled moving forward.
Reflecting on her life in 2019 during the team’s 100th-anniversary celebration, McCaskey said, “The Bears have been my life all these years. I feel very blessed and grateful.”
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