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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reflects on Virginia McCaskey’s life, death

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 3:31 PM ET

Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey passed away at the age of 102 on February 6.

McCaskey had owned the team since inheriting the franchise from her father, George Halas, back in 1983, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy both on Chicago sports but the NFL at large, as well.

“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 McCaskey family said in a statement released shortly after her passing. “She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans.”

The Bears made two trips to the Super Bowl, including winning in 1986, in New Orleans, during McCaskey’s tenure as owner.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell pays tribute to Virginia McCaskey

The Bears have long been one of the NFL’s heritage franchises, and McCaskey deserves immense credit for that status over the course of her four decades as principle owner.

Thursday afternoon, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement paying tribute to McCaskey and her contributions to the sport during her life.

“Virginia Halas McCaskey, the matriarch of the Chicago Bears and daughter of George Halas,” Goodell wrote. “The founder of the NFL, leaves a legacy of class, dignity, and humanity. 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.”

In addition to Goodell’s sentiments, several franchises across the NFL paid tribute to McCaskey.

The Giants organization is saddened to hear of the passing of Virginia McCaskey. We join the Bears and the rest of the NFL in celebrating the life of Mrs. McCaskey.

She was a woman of great faith who was devoted and passionate in leading the Bears as her father did. And she was… pic.twitter.com/RVgGRs3vac

— New York Giants (@Giants) February 6, 2025

The Raiders Family mourns the passing of Virginia Halas McCaskey. pic.twitter.com/pkhP6o7JhN

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) February 6, 2025

We are saddened by the passing of Virginia Halas McCaskey, a tremendous leader in the NFL and the matriarch of the Chicago Bears. pic.twitter.com/3Crqbx2Mba

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 6, 2025

We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the McCaskey family and the Chicago Bears on the loss of Virginia Halas McCaskey.

A trailblazer who made a profound impact on the NFL, Mrs. McCaskey leaves behind an indelible legacy of leadership, grace and love of… https://t.co/SOGPHtjvfG

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) February 6, 2025

https://t.co/H8SUJdbTCL pic.twitter.com/i0Z0BEMIuD

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) February 6, 2025

Virginia McCaskey leaves an incredible legacy as a matriarch, football icon, and dear friend.

We'll always remember her fondly, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the McCaskey Family ️ pic.twitter.com/xvRi6j21KP

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 6, 2025