Bears Matriarch And Owner Virginia Halas McCaskey Died at 102

She was the daughter of George “Papa Bear” Halas, one of the founders of the NFL. Halas also was the founder and owner of the Chicago Bears and the NFC Championship trophy bears his name. It was this rich NFL legacy that she inherited upon the death of her father in October 1983. And we were sad to learn today that the Chicago Bears Matriarch and owner Virginia Halas McCaskey died at 102. Living over a century is a tremendous feat in itself but McCaskey did it while presiding over the Bears organization for four decades.

Some called her “NFL Royalty” while others referred to her as the “The First Lady of the NFL.” But everyone held her in high esteem despite the lack of success suffered by her team. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke highly of her in his statement:

“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 released on Thursday. “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 he 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.”

McCaskey, who had 11 children, kept a low profile and rarely spoke publicly. She allowed her late husband of 60 years, Ed, and their sons to have prominent roles in the Bears organization. Despite the fact that she effectively controlled 80 percent of the team.

Bears Matriarch And Owner Virginia Halas McCaskey Died at 102

Furthermore, Virginia’s influence did not stop within the realms of football. Even the MLB was moved to make a statement on the passing of McCaskey:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Virginia Halas McCaskey, a true pioneer whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our city. For half a century, the Chicago Bears called Wrigley Field home and the history of our two teams will forever be intertwined. In addition to her leadership of the Chicago Bears, she was the mother of 11 children, and with her late husband Ed, they set an example of faith, family and service that everyone should admire. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bears Chairman George McCaskey and their family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.”

As one of the most respected persons in sports her presence will be missed. But she did leave on a high note with her team besting their biggest rival. The Chicago Bears beat the Green Bay Packers in Week 18 of the 2024 season. Chicago kicked a 51-yard field goal with two seconds left on the clock to steal the 24-22 victory.

There are surviving family members of the Halas family so we’ll see what the succession plan will be. But in the meantime, our condolences go out to her friends and family members who are mourning her loss. Rest in peace first lady.

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