• Faith: Christian - Catholic
• Career: NFL Executive
• Birthday:  January 05, 1923
• Date of Death:  February 06, 2025

Virginia Halas McCaskey, born Virginia Marion Halas on January 5, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, was an NFL executive best known as the principal owner of the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). She was the daughter of George Halas, the team's founder and first coach, and she inherited ownership upon his death in 1983.

Virginia Marion Halas was the eldest child of George Halas and Minnie Bushing Halas. Growing up in a household deeply intertwined with football, Virginia was exposed to the sport from a young age. She attended her first NFL Championship game at the age of 8 and was present for significant moments in the Bears' early history. Her father, George Halas, was not only the founder of the Chicago Bears but also a co-founder of the National Football League (NFL), instilling in her a profound connection to the sport.

Virginia pursued higher education at Drexel University, majoring in business management. During her time there, she was an active member of various organizations, including the local Pi Sigma Gamma sorority, the Newman Club, the Panhellenic Council, and the YWCA. Her involvement in these groups showcased her leadership qualities and commitment to community engagement.

In 1943, Virginia married Ed McCaskey, a union that would last until his passing in 2003. Together, they had 11 children: eight sons and three daughters. Their family expanded over the years to include 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Despite the demands of overseeing an NFL franchise, Virginia remained a devoted wife and mother, placing her family's well-being at the forefront.

Following the death of her father in 1983, Virginia became the principal owner of the Chicago Bears. Under her stewardship, the team achieved significant milestones, most notably winning Super Bowl XX in 1986. Her tenure was marked by a deep commitment to the organization's success and a genuine care for its players, coaches, staff, and fans. She maintained a low public profile but exercised her authority on crucial decisions when necessary. Virginia was also responsible for establishing Bears Care, a program that has issued grants to improve the quality of life in the Chicago area.

Virginia passed away February 6, 2025 at the age of 102. The McCaskey family provided a statement via the Bears, saying McCaskey lived a "full" life. "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 statement read. "She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement shortly after the passing of McCaskey was announced.

"Virginia Halas McCaskey, the matriarch of the Chicago Bears and daughter of George Halas, the founder of the NFL, leaves a legacy of class, dignity, and humanity," Goodell said. "Faith, family, and football – in that order – were her north stars and she lived by the simple adage to always 'do the right thing.' The Bears that her father started meant the world to her and he would be proud of the way she continued the family business with such dedication and passion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McCaskey and Halas families and Bears fans around the world."

Virginia McCaskey's Religious Beliefs

A devout Catholic, Virginia's faith was central to her life and decisions. She often reflected on what God would want, guiding her actions both personally and professionally. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her involvement with various charitable endeavors and her dedication to fostering a sense of community within the Bears organization. She viewed her role leading the Bears as a "sacred duty," intertwining her spiritual beliefs with her responsibilities as an NFL owner.