Virginia Halas McCaskey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Virginia Halas McCaskey
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George Halas, her father, and McCaskey in 1963
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| Born |
Virginia Marion Halas
January 5, 1923 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | February 6, 2025 (aged 102) Des Plaines, Illinois, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Drexel University |
| Spouse(s) |
Ed McCaskey
(m. 1943; died 2003) |
| Children | 11, including Michael and George McCaskey |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | George Halas Jr. (brother) |
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Football career |
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| Chicago Bears | |
| Position: | Principal owner |
| Career history | |
| As administrator: | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
Virginia Halas McCaskey (born Virginia Marion Halas; January 5, 1923 – February 6, 2025) was an important figure in American football. She was the main owner of the Chicago Bears, a team in the National Football League (NFL). Virginia took over the team in 1983 after her father, George Halas, passed away. He was the founder of the Bears. Under her leadership, the team achieved a big win, taking home the Super Bowl XX trophy in 1986.
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Early Life and Education
Virginia Halas McCaskey was the oldest child of George Halas and Minnie Bushing Halas. Her father, George Halas, was famous for starting and owning the Chicago Bears.
Virginia went to Drexel University. She studied business management there. Her goal was to become her father's secretary and help him with the team.
First Football Memories
Virginia's first memory of a Bears game was when she was just two years old. She traveled with her father on a special tour. This tour featured a famous Bears player named Red Grange.
She attended her first NFL Championship game when she was eight. This was the 1932 NFL Playoff Game. She also saw the first indoor NFL game that same season. Later, she was there for the Bears' victory in the 1940 NFL Championship Game.
Her Role with the Chicago Bears
Virginia McCaskey officially served as the secretary for the Chicago Bears. She was also a member of the team's board of directors. She had the power to vote on behalf of her children and grandchildren. Together, Virginia and other family members owned a large part of the Bears team.
The Halas-McCaskey family has owned the team for a very long time. George Halas first bought the team in 1921. It was then called the Decatur Staleys. He moved the team to Chicago and renamed them the Bears in 1922. The Bears have been owned by the same family longer than any other NFL team.
Inheriting the Team
Virginia's younger brother, George Halas Jr., was originally expected to take over the team. Her father even made him team president in 1963. However, George Jr. sadly passed away in 1979. Because of this, Virginia inherited the Bears when her father died four years later in 1983.
Super Bowl Victory and Changes
During Virginia's time as owner, the Bears won Super Bowl XX in 1986. This was just two seasons after her father's death. This win was part of a great period for the team. They won five division titles in a row from 1984 to 1988.
In 1986, Virginia decided to stop the team's cheerleading squad, the "Honey Bears." She felt their performances were not respectful to women.
Leadership Changes
The team faced some challenges in the 1990s. After 1999, Virginia became less involved in the day-to-day operations. Her son, Michael McCaskey, was the team president from 1983 to 1999. Virginia later replaced him, but he remained chairman of the board until 2011.
In 2011, Michael's brother, George McCaskey, took over as chairman. George had worked in the Bears' ticket office since 1991. Today, the team president manages the daily operations. Since 1999, a Halas or McCaskey family member has not held the team president title. Kevin Warren became the current president and CEO in 2023.
Virginia's husband, Ed McCaskey, was also involved with the Bears. He was the chairman and treasurer. He acted as a co-owner with his wife until he passed away in 2003.
Memorable Moments
On January 21, 2007, Virginia accepted the NFC Championship trophy. This trophy is named after her father. She called it "her happiest day so far." This was after the Bears beat the New Orleans Saints to earn a trip to Super Bowl XLI.
Longest-Serving Owner
Virginia McCaskey was one of ten female NFL owners in 2022. She was the oldest owner in the NFL and in all major league sports in the United States. This happened after Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson passed away in 2014.
After Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill died in 2019, Virginia McCaskey became the longest-serving owner in the NFL.
In 2023, she was considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame also wanted to give her the Ralph Hay Pioneer Award. This award honors people who have made important contributions to football. However, she politely declined, saying she did not feel she deserved it.
Personal Life and Legacy
Virginia McCaskey was known for being a very private person. She rarely talked about the business side of the team her father built. She married Ed McCaskey in 1943. They had 11 children, 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Virginia was a Catholic. She often said that "faith, family, and football" were the most important things in her life.
Virginia turned 100 years old on January 5, 2023. She passed away on February 6, 2025. She was buried next to her husband in Des Plaines, Illinois.
