Welcome to my next iteration in my “Owning the League” series, today we will look at Chicago’s Virginia Halas McCaskey. For full discloser, McCaskey’s official title is secretary board of directors, but she does own 80% of the team and has the empowerment to speak for team. Also, her name is Halas, kind of a big deal in Chicago if you ask me.

McCaskey inherited the team after the heir-apparent, George “Mugs” Halas Jr passed away of a heart attack with her dad following soon after. She inherited a well put together team, and was the principle owner when Chicago won Super Bowl XX. However, the success would not last as the team struggled into the 90s and since 1999, Virginia distanced herself from the team, preferring a “hands off” approach. Her son, Michael McCaskey, was named team president from 1983 to 1999 and was chairman of the board until 2011, when his brother took the position.

Her husband, Ed McCaskey served as co-owner until his death in 2003, he also previously served as chairman and treasurer of the Bears. McCaskey has mentioned that the happiest day of her life has been when she accepted the NFC Championship after beating the Saints to go to Super Bowl XLI.

After the recent passing of Bill Bidwell, Virginia became the oldest NFL owner at the age of 96, she is the eldest child of Chicago legend George Halas. After all, she was born in on January 5, 1923 in Chicago.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much information on Virginia that I could find. But I hope you enjoyed this addition to the series nonetheless! Next we will take a look at Mike Brown, owner of the Cincinnati Bungles!