"Faith, family, and football – in that order – were her north stars and she lived by the simple adage to always ‘do the right thing.’" - Roger Goodell
Biography
Virginia Marion Halas McCaskey, the matriarch of the Chicago Bears and a pivotal figure in the history of the National Football League, lived a life deeply intertwined with the sport. Born on January 5, 1923, she was the daughter of George S. Halas, the founder, player, and coach of the Bears. From a young age, she was immersed in the world of football, witnessing the league's growth from its infancy to the global powerhouse it is today.
She inherited the team upon her father's death in 1983, becoming the principal owner of the Chicago Bears. Under her leadership, the Bears experienced a golden era, winning Super Bowl XX in 1986. Her tenure as owner was marked by a quiet but firm guidance, always prioritizing the team's legacy and its connection to the city of Chicago.
Legacy
Virginia McCaskey's legacy extends far beyond the wins and losses on the football field. She was a trailblazer, one of the few female owners in the NFL, who commanded respect through her grace, dignity, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her famous motto, "faith, family, and football," guided her decisions and shaped the culture of the Bears organization.
She was a philanthropist, establishing the Bears Care foundation in 2005, which has since donated millions to various charitable causes in the Chicagoland area. Her impact on the community is as significant as her contributions to the sport.
Tributes
"She was a wonderful person, just always interested in our family and what was going on with our family. She was a quiet but determined leader of the Bears for so many years and just was a positive impact on the whole league."
"From the time I was a child coming to these meetings with my parents, I always remember Virginia being there... Virginia was just the epitome of class, grace and dignity, and she's somebody that will be missed very much."
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