Virginia Halas McCaskey facts for kids

Virginia Halas McCaskey (born Virginia Marion Halas; January 5, 1923 – February 6, 2025) was an important person in American football. She was the main owner of the Chicago Bears, a team in the National Football League (NFL). Virginia was the daughter of George Halas, who founded the team. She took over ownership when her father passed away in 1983.

Early Life and Education

Virginia was the oldest child of George Halas, who started and owned the Bears, and Minnie Bushing Halas. She went to Drexel University to study business management. Her goal was to become her father's secretary. While in college, she was active in various student groups like the Pi Sigma Gamma sorority and the YWCA.

Virginia loved football from a young age. She attended her first NFL Championship game when she was only 8 years old in 1932. She also saw the first indoor NFL game that same season. Later, she watched the Bears win the 1940 NFL Championship Game.

Leading the Chicago Bears

Virginia McCaskey was officially the secretary of the Chicago Bears team. She was also a member of the team's board of directors. She had the power to vote for her own shares, as well as those of her children and grandchildren. Together, Virginia and other members of the Halas family owned 80% of the Bears. This means the team has been owned by the same family for a very long time, longer than any other family in the NFL.

Her father, George Halas, originally planned for Virginia's younger brother, George "Mugs" Halas Jr., to take over the team. Mugs became the team president in 1963. However, he sadly passed away suddenly in 1979. Because of this, Virginia inherited the Bears when her father died four years later.

Super Bowl Victory

During her time as owner, the Bears achieved a major victory. They won Super Bowl XX in 1985, just two seasons after her father's death. This win was part of a great period for the team, as they won five straight division titles from 1984 to 1988. In 1986, Virginia decided to stop the team's cheerleading squad, the "Honey Bears." She felt their performances were "sexist and degrading to women."

Family Leadership and Changes

The team faced some challenges in the 1990s. From 1999 onwards, Virginia became less involved in the daily operations. Her son, Michael McCaskey, was the team president from 1983 to 1999. Virginia later replaced him, but he remained chairman of the board. In 2011, his brother, George McCaskey, took over as chairman. George had worked for the Bears ticket office since 1991.

Today, the team president manages the daily operations. When Ted Phillips became president in 1999, it was the first time someone outside the Halas or McCaskey family held that role. This continues with the current president, Kevin Warren.

Virginia's husband, Ed McCaskey, also played a role with the Bears. He was the chairman and treasurer of the team. Even though he didn't officially own shares, he acted as a co-owner with Virginia until he passed away in 2003.

Special Moments and Legacy

On January 21, 2007, Virginia accepted the NFC Championship trophy, which 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.

In 2022, Virginia McCaskey was one of ten female NFL owners. This group included other notable women like Sheila Ford Hamp of the Detroit Lions and Amy Adams Strunk of the Tennessee Titans.

After the death of Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson in 2014, Virginia became the oldest owner in the NFL and in all major sports in the United States. She also became the longest-serving owner in the NFL after Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill passed away in 2019. In 2023, she was recognized as a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

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, and 41 great-grandchildren. Virginia was a Roman Catholic. She often said that "faith, family, and football" were the most important parts of her life.

Virginia McCaskey turned 100 years old on January 5, 2023. She passed away on February 6, 2025, at the age of 102.