Chicago Bears Owner Virginia Halas McCaskey, Daughter of Founder George Halas, Dies at 102

Virginia Halas McCaskey, the principal owner of the Chicago Bears and daughter of team founder George Halas, passed away today at the age of 102, the team announced. Referred to by former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue as "the first lady of the NFL," McCaskey inherited the franchise upon her father's death in 1983 and remained a guiding figure in the organization for over four decades. She was known for her humility and preference to avoid the spotlight during her tenure. McCaskey was predeceased by her husband, Ed McCaskey, who died in 2003, and sons Michael and Edward Jr. She was a mother of 11 children, grandmother to 21, great-grandmother to 40, and had four great-great-grandchildren. The family released a statement expressing their sadness and comfort in knowing she "lived a long, full, faith-filled life and is now with the love of her life on earth." McCaskey was remembered for her unwavering commitment to the team and the city of Chicago.