Chicago Bears Owner Virginia mccaskey Dies at 102
LAKE FOREST,Ill. — Virginia Halas McCaskey, the longtime owner of the Chicago Bears and daughter of team founder George Halas, died Thursday at the age of 102.
McCaskey assumed ownership of the Bears in 1983 following her father’s death and guided the franchise for over four decades. She remained a guiding force behind the scenes,prioritizing the well-being of players,coaches,staff,and fans in all her decisions.
Throughout her tenure, the Bears achieved significant success, winning Super Bowl XX in 1986 and reaching Super Bowl XLI 21 years later.
“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,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“Faith, family, and football — in that order — were her north stars and she lived by the simple adage to always ‘do the right thing.’ The Bears that her father started meant the world to her and she would be proud of the way she continued the family business with such dedication and passion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the mccaskey and Halas families and Bears fans around the world.”
“The NFL has lost a legend,” added Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan. “I wish peace and comfort to the McCaskey Family and everyone within the Chicago Bears association.”
virginia Halas McCaskey, Longtime Chicago Bears Owner, Dead at 99
Virginia Halas McCaskey, the daughter of legendary coach George Halas and longtime owner of the Chicago Bears, died Wednesday at age 99. Her passing was announced by the team’s current chairman, george McCaskey.
McCaskey, the eldest of Halas’ two children, took ownership of the Bears upon her father’s death in 1983. Though she generally maintained a low public profile and officially held the title of secretary to the board of directors, she played a significant role in shaping the franchise’s identity, passing on her father’s commitment to tradition and excellence to future generations.
“This is a sad day for our organization and the entire Bears family,” said Shahid Khan,owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars,in a statement. “We mourn the passing of Virginia halas McCaskey, a giant in our sport. She was a pillar of the
Her brother, George “Mugs” Halas Jr., was initially intended to inherit the team but died unexpectedly in 1979.
McCaskey eventually turned over day-to-day control of the team to her eldest son, George McCaskey, in 2011.
However, she remained a powerful voice within the organization, occasionally exercising ultimate authority on major decisions. In 2014, her son acknowledged her frustration with the team’s performance, famously saying, “She’s pissed off. I can’t think of a 91-year-old woman that that description would apply, but in this case, I can’t think of a more accurate description.”
McCaskey’s legacy is intertwined with the Chicago Bears’ history. She oversaw a period of both success and struggle, witnessing the highs of bears victories, including the 1985 Super Bowl XX Championship, and the lows of long playoff droughts. Yet, her unwavering dedication to the team and her father’s legacy remained a constant.
Virginia McCaskey, Beloved Chicago Bears Owner, Dies at 105
Virginia halas McCaskey, the beloved owner of the Chicago Bears for over 50 years, has passed away at the age of 105.
McCaskey, a descendant of Bears founder George Halas, had a lifelong connection to the team. She inherited her passion for the Bears from her father, who made her an honorary Assistant Coach after she turned 10. McCaskey’s reign as owner was marked by both on-field success and a commitment to the Chicago community through the Bears Care program.
Under McCaskey’s leadership, the Bears established Bears Care in 2005. This program has issued over $31.5 million in grants to 225 organizations, making a significant impact on the lives of children and families in the Chicago area. Bears Care also championed health awareness programs focused on breast and ovarian cancer.
McCaskey witnessed history with the Bears in 1932, attending the first playoff game in NFL history – a game that her father’s team won indoors at Chicago Stadium due to snow.
She is survived by six of her eight sons, three daughters, 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
What was the significance of the Bears Care programme established by Virginia McCaskey?
Virginia McCaskey: FAQs
Q: What was Virginia McCaskey’s role with the Chicago Bears?
A: Virginia McCaskey was the beloved owner of the Chicago Bears for over 50 years. she inherited the team from her father, George Halas, the legendary founder of the franchise and the NFL, and guided the team through a period of both triumph and tribulation.
Q: What are some of Virginia McCaskey’s most notable accomplishments as owner?
A: McCaskey oversaw the Bears’ Super Bowl XX victory in 1986 and remained a strong presence throughout the team’s history. She also established the bears Care program in 2005,which has donated over $31.5 million to Chicago-area organizations,making a lasting impact on the community.
Q: When was Virginia McCaskey born and how long did she own the bears?
A: Virginia McCaskey was born in 1919 and owned the Bears for over five decades, passing the torch to her son in 2011. She remained a vital part of the association until her passing in 2023 at the age of 105.
Learn more about the life and legacy of Virginia McCaskey, a true icon in the world of sports, by reading the full article.
