Virginia Halas McCaskey Biography
Virginia Halas McCaskey is an American football executive who serves as the principal owner of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL).
Virginia Halas McCaskey Age
Halas was born on January 5, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. She is 100 years old in 2022.
Virginia Halas McCaskey Height
Halas stands at an approximate height of 5 feet and 6 inches.
Virginia Halas McCaskey Family
Halas was born in Chicago to George Halas and Minnie Bushing Halas. George served as a professional football player, coach, and team owner. Further, he served as the founder and owner of the National Football League’s Chicago Bears. On 4 occasions, he served as his own head coach. Additionally, he served as one of the co-founders of the American Professional Football Association (now the National Football League (NFL)) in 1920. In 1963, he served as one of the first 17 inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. To boot, he was dubbed “Papa Bear” and “Mr. Everything.”
Moreover, he served as the oldest person in NFL history to serve as a head coach. When he was 72 years and 318 days old, he coached the final game of his career in December 1967. Romeo Crennel 54 years later served as the interim head coach of the Houston Texans when he was 73 years and 115 days old. Unfortunately, he passed away on October 31st, 1983at the age of 88 due to cancer. Upon his death, he left his team to his eldest child, Halas, and his wife, Minnie Bushing Halas. Sadly, her mom passed away as a result of a heart attack in 1966. Hlas has a brother named George Halas Jr. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1979 due to a heart attack.
Virginia Halas McCaskey Husband
Halas is very private about her personal life therefore it is not known if she is in any relationship. Prior to this, she tied the knot with her deceased husband, Edward W. McCaskey. They had 11 children counting George and Michael. The couple had 11 children, over 40 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ed passed away in 2003.
Virginia Halas McCaskey Net Worth
Halas’ exact net worth is not known however, her family has a net worth of $1.3B
Virginia Halas McCaskey Education
When Halas completed her high school education, she went on to attend Drexel University. Further, she majored in secretarial studies with the aspiration of serving as her father’s secretary. In 1943, she became a graduate with a degree in Secretarial Studies. Actively, she served as a member of the local Pi Sigma Gamma sorority, the Panhellenic Council, the Newman Club, and the YWCA.
Virginia Halas McCaskey Career
Halas is a football executive who serves as the principal owner of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Initially, her father gave his son, George the team. However, he passed away in 1979 due to a heart attack. Thus, she inherited the Bears when her father passed away four years later. Additionally, she inherited a Bears team that attained Super Bowl XX two seasons after “Papa Bear’s” death. It was part of a run of five solid NFC Central titles from 1984 to 1988.
Even though the team struggled in the 1990s, she has served as a hands-off owner since 1999. Michael, her son served as the team president from 1983 to 1999. Also, he served as chairman of the board till May 6, 2011, when his brother, George assumed the position. George had served as the Bears ticket office director since 1991. In 1991, team president Ted Phillips serves as operational control till now. Further, this marked the initial time in the NFL portion of franchise history that a Halas or McCaskey had not held that title.
Her late husband, Ed, served as the previous chairman and treasurer of the Bears. Although he didn’t have any official share of ownership, he served as co-owner alongside his wife before his death. On January 21st, 2007, she accepted the NFC Championship trophy, which has her father’s name. Halas dubbed it her happiest day so far following the Bears’ victory against the New Orleans Saints and earned a trip to Super Bowl XLI. Moreover, she serves as one of ten female NFL owners as of 2022. Else, she serves as the longest-tenured owner in the NFL after the demise of Arizona Cardinals owner, Bill Bidwill in October 2019.
Is Virginia Halas McCaskey Jewish?
No, Halas is not Jewish but a Roman Catholic. Further, she considers faith, football, and family inseparable in her life.
Virginia Halas McCaskey Walter Payton
During the panel discussion at the Bears100 Celebration, Halas revealed that Walter Payton served as her favorite Bears player of all time. Unfortunately, he passed away on November 1st, 1999 at the age of 45 due to bile duct cancer. Even after his death, she still has a close relationship with his wife, Connie, and kids, Jarrett, and Brittney.
Virginia Halas McCaskey House
Halas alongside her late husband bought a 1,694 sqft home in 1994 for $255,000. In 2007, she said to the Chicago Tribune that she likely resided in the smallest house compared to other NFL executives. Further, she said that she and her husband were comfortable living like that, it served as their lifestyle, and she lives in the house alone alongside wonderful neighbors.
Virginia Halas McCaskey Social Media Platforms
She is active on her social media accounts and is often seen posting on her Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. She has over 82 followers on Instagram.
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