Virginia Halas McCaskey, Longest-Tenured NFL Owner, Passes Away at 100

Virginia Halas McCaskey, the Oldest and Longest-Tenured Owner in NFL History, Dies at 100

Virginia Halas McCaskey, the longest-tenured owner in U.S. major league sports and matriarch of the Chicago Bears, has passed away at the age of 100. McCaskey took ownership of the Bears in 1983 following the death of her father, team founder George Halas, and led the franchise for over four decades.

Her family expressed their sorrow in a statement, 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.” They added, “She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans.”

After the passing of former Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson in 2014, McCaskey became the oldest owner in the NFL. She then became the longest-tenured owner in the league in 2019 following the death of Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill.

McCaskey’s connection to the NFL began long before her tenure as owner; she was just eight years old when she attended the league’s first championship game in 1932. Her leadership also saw the Bears claim their first Super Bowl victory in 1986, when they triumphed over the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX.

Her son, George McCaskey, currently serves as the chairman of the Chicago Bears. McCaskey’s legacy remains intertwined with the history of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.