Thursday morning came with a bit of sad news for the Chicago Bears, the fan base and community.
Quite frankly, the news hit the entirety of the NFL world as we lost one of the most respected women this sport has ever known.
Longtime principal owner of the Bears, Virginia McCaskey, has died at the age of 102.
The daughter of Bears founder George Halas, a.k.a. "Papa Bear" had been beloved by the organization for decades, now.
“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. She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans," the family said in a statement via NBC5 Chicago.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 6, 2025
She has held a special place in the hearts of Bears fans, and the city of Chicago, due to the accomplishments of her father, of course. Virginia has been one of the iconic faces of this organization since taking over as owner back in 1983 and is one of the longer-tenured women in a position like hers in the history of sports.
Who will take over for Virginia McCaskey as Chicago Bears owner?
Following the news of Virginia, the matriarch of this historic franchise, no official news surfaced initially in terms of who will take over. However, we can assume we know what will happen.
Bears chairman George McCaskey, the son of Virginia, will of course continue running the show and is likely to take over as owner in the wake of his mother's passing. He took over as chairman in 2011 after his brother, Michael, previously held that title.
Virginia was not involved in football decisions, as one might have assumed. But, her kind heart and spirit flowed through the walls of Halas Hall for a very long time.
It is safe to say that heart and spirit will continue to flow even in her absence. She made a lasting, permanent impact on both the city and organization.
We wish the McCaskey family well and offer our support in the coming days.