Virginia Halas McCaskey, the daughter of Chicago Bears founder George Halas and the longest-tenured owner in NFL history, passed away on February 6, 2025, at the age of 102. McCaskey, who inherited the team upon her father’s death in 1983, guided the Bears for four decades, emphasizing faith and family within the organization. During her tenure, the Bears achieved Super Bowl XX glory in 1985.
A graduate of Drexel University, McCaskey was a pioneer in a male-dominated sport. McCaskey, who controlled 80% of the team with her family, was the oldest owner in the NFL after Ralph Wilson’s passing in 2014, and in 2023, she was named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Her passing marks the end of an era for the Bears and a significant loss for the NFL, as she served as a living connection to the league’s legendary past.
We celebrate her life, while our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.