Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey laughs as she is presented with the George S. Halas trophy after the Bears defeated the New Orleans Saints to win the NFC Championship in 2007. Photo: John Zich/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Bears owner Virginia McCaskey has died at the age of 102.
The big picture: The longtime matriarch of the Bears’ ownership was the daughter and last direct descendant of founder George S. Halas.
- McCaskey was the oldest owner in the NFL and one of the only female owners in the sport.
What they’re saying: “While we are sad, we are comforted knowing Virginia Halas McCaskey lived a long, full, faith-filled life and is now with the love of her life on earth,” the McCaskey family said in a statement.
- “She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans.”
Zoom out: McCaskey was one of two of George Halas’ children. Her brother George “Mugs” Halas Jr. died in 1979.
- In 1983, McCaskey inherited the Bears after her father’s death and instead of selling the team, she kept it in the family, naming her husband Ed McCaskey as the chairman and her son Mike McCaskey as the president and CEO.
- Both Ed and Mike have since died.
By the numbers: Virginia represented all of the McCaskeys in ownership, giving the family 80% ownership of the Bears. She also sat on the team’s board of directors.
- The Bears are valued at over $6 billion, which is in the top 10 in the NFL.
Yes, but: The McCaskeys were new to the job when the Bears won their only Super Bowl in 1985/86, and have not won a Super Bowl since.
Between the lines: Fans have been frustrated with McCaskey’s ownership, citing problems with losing and the overall management culture.
- The McCaskeys were long criticized for firing coach Mike Ditka in 1993.
- Since Ditka, the Bears are 232-284 with only four playoff wins.
What’s next: It’s unclear what happens to the Bears ownership structure with McCaskey’s death, although her son George, who is currently the chairman of the board, says his mother put a succession plan in place.
