Virginia Halas McCaskey is the owner of the Chicago Bears, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL). She inherited the team from her father, George Halas, who founded the Bears in 1920 and coached them for 40 years. McCaskey has been involved with the team for most of her life, serving as a secretary, treasurer, and director before becoming the principal owner in 1983.
Under McCaskey's leadership, the Bears have had their ups and downs on the field. They won their first and only Super Bowl in 1985, but have struggled to recapture that success in recent years. McCaskey has been criticized by some fans and media for being too hands-off and not investing enough in the team, but she has also been praised for her loyalty to the Bears and her commitment to keeping the team in Chicago.
Off the field, McCaskey has been involved in various charitable and community initiatives. She has supported organizations that promote education, health, and social justice, and has been recognized for her philanthropy by the NFL and other groups. She has also been a strong advocate for women's rights and has spoken out against domestic violence.
McCaskey's tenure as owner of the Bears has been marked by both continuity and change. She has maintained the team's traditional identity as a blue-collar, defense-oriented franchise, but has also adapted to the modern NFL by investing in technology, analytics, and player development. She has also overseen the renovation of Soldier Field, the Bears' historic home stadium, and has explored the possibility of building a new stadium in the future.
As McCaskey approaches her 100th birthday in 2022, she remains a beloved and respected figure in the NFL and in Chicago. Her family's legacy with the Bears is secure, and her leadership has helped to shape the team's identity and culture for generations to come.
🏈