Virginia McCaskey, the longtime owner of the Chicago Bears, has passed away at the age of 102. McCaskey inherited the team from her father, George Halas, in 1983 and had been at the helm for over four decades. She was known for her dedication to the Bears players, coaches, staff, and fans, making business decisions that were in their best interests.
Under McCaskey's ownership, the Bears achieved great success, winning a Super Bowl in 1986 and making another appearance in the championship game 21 years later. She kept the team within the family, passing operational control to her son, Michael McCaskey, who later handed over the reins to her other son, George McCaskey.
Virginia McCaskey was praised for her class, dignity, and humanity by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who highlighted her commitment to faith, family, and football. McCaskey's legacy extended beyond the football field, as she established the Bears Care program in 2005, which has provided significant support to various charitable causes in the Chicago area.
Despite her low public profile, McCaskey occasionally exercised her authority on team decisions, ensuring that the Bears continued to strive for excellence. Her dedication to the team was unwavering, as evidenced by her disappointment with the team's performance during a 5-11 season, which led to significant changes within the organization.
Virginia McCaskey's love for the Bears was deeply rooted, stemming from her childhood experiences attending games with her family. Her commitment to the team's success was evident throughout her tenure as owner, as she strived to uphold the legacy of her father, George Halas.
McCaskey is survived by her 11 children, including sons and daughters, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her impact on the Chicago Bears and the NFL as a whole will be remembered for years to come.
