Virginia McCaskey, the longtime principal owner of the Chicago Bears and the daughter of NFL co-founder George Halas, has passed away at the age of 102. Her family shared the news of her death, which occurred on Thursday, confirming that she had been at the helm of the Bears since her father’s passing on October 31, 1983.
Despite her prominent ownership role, McCaskey chose to remain out of the public limelight throughout her four decades of leadership. Her family expressed their sorrow while acknowledging the fulfilling and faith-filled life she led. They noted her commitment to the well-being of Bears players, coaches, staff, and fans, a guiding principle for her business decisions.
Similar to her father, McCaskey kept the franchise under family control. She entrusted operational management to her eldest son, Michael McCaskey, who held the title of president until he was succeeded by younger brother George McCaskey in 2011. Under her guidance, the Bears claimed a Super Bowl championship in 1986 and reached the finals again in 2006.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell offered condolences, stating that Virginia Halas McCaskey embodied a legacy of dignity, class, and humanity. He emphasized her motto of “faith, family, and football,” highlighting her unwavering dedication to the team’s success and the importance of doing what is right. Goodell remarked that her passion for the franchise, which her father founded, would make him proud of her stewardship.
Remaining actively involved with the Bears’ board of directors are four of McCaskey’s sons: George, Patrick, Brian, and Ed. A recent Forbes valuation placed the Bears’ worth at approximately $6.4 billion, a testament to the franchise’s financial health and historical significance.
As the eldest of George Halas’ two children, McCaskey never anticipated taking over ownership. Her brother, George “Mugs” Halas Jr., had been slated to take over but died unexpectedly in 1979. After her father’s death, McCaskey took on ownership, and her late spouse, Ed McCaskey, filled the chairman role until she later entrusted that responsibility to Michael, her eldest child among eleven.
In a rare conversation in 2006, McCaskey reflected on her family’s legacy, emphasizing her view as a custodian of the Bears’ legacy rather than an individual deserving credit. She highlighted the importance of ensuring the franchise’s legacy is passed on successfully.
While her title was secretary to the board of directors, McCaskey occasionally took an active role in critical team decisions. This included addressing a lawsuit in 1987 from her brother’s children, which was settled through a stock buyout. In December 2014, George McCaskey commented on his mother’s influence when discussing staff changes following disappointing team performance, showcasing her ongoing passion and commitment to the Bears’ success.
Virginia McCaskey had an authentic connection with the Bears; family members noted her superstitious tradition of withholding dessert if the team lost on Sundays. During that 2006 interview, she recounted her experience attending the first playoff game in NFL history at the age of nine. The Bears faced the Portsmouth Spartans in a tiebreaker game, held indoors due to snow, where the Bears triumphed 9-0.
In addition to her leadership role with the Bears, McCaskey established the Bears Care program in 2005, which has since provided over $31.5 million in grants to support various initiatives aimed at improving life in the Chicago area. This initiative focuses particularly on disadvantaged children and their families, as well as health awareness programs for breast and ovarian cancer.
McCaskey is survived by her three daughters, eight sons, and a large extended family, including 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Her legacy will certainly have a lasting impact on both the Bears organization and the wider community.
