The Chicago Bears are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL). With a rich history that spans over a century, the Bears have built a legacy of success, tradition, and resilience. However, one question that many fans and football enthusiasts often ask is: Who owns the Chicago Bears football team? The answer lies in the hands of the McCaskey family, descendants of the team’s legendary founder, George Halas. In this blog, we’ll explore the ownership history of the Chicago Bears, the McCaskey family’s role, and their lasting impact on the franchise.
The Early Days of the Chicago Bears
1. The Founding of the Team by George Halas
The story of the Chicago Bears begins in 1920 when the team was founded as the Decatur Staleys by a man who would become one of the most important figures in football history: George Halas. Halas, a former football player, coach, and businessman, led the charge in creating one of the charter franchises of what would eventually become the NFL. The team moved to Chicago in 1921, where they were renamed the Chicago Bears.
Halas’ vision for professional football helped transform the game from a regional pastime into a nationally recognized sport. His leadership, both as an owner and coach, set the foundation for the Bears’ future success. Halas remained the face of the franchise for decades, leading the team to numerous championships and building a loyal fanbase.
2. Halas’ Role in Shaping the NFL
George Halas wasn’t just influential in the success of the Chicago Bears; he also played a key role in shaping the NFL as a whole. Halas was one of the founding members of the NFL (originally called the American Professional Football Association) and was instrumental in expanding the league and standardizing its rules.
Under Halas’ leadership, the Bears won eight NFL championships between 1921 and 1963, making them one of the most dominant teams in the league’s early history. His impact on the game earned him the nickname “Papa Bear,” a fitting tribute to a man who helped shape modern football.
3. Transition of Ownership to the McCaskey Family
When George Halas passed away in 1983, ownership of the Chicago Bears was passed down to his family, specifically his daughter Virginia Halas McCaskey. Virginia, who had been involved in the team’s operations for years, assumed control of the franchise and became the principal owner. This marked the beginning of the McCaskey family’s formal ownership of the team, though their involvement in the organization had been ongoing for many years prior to George Halas’ death.
Who Owns the Chicago Bears Football Team Today?
1. The McCaskey Family
Today, the Chicago Bears are owned by the McCaskey family, making it one of the few NFL teams still under family ownership. The family’s deep connection to the franchise, stemming from George Halas’ founding role, has helped maintain a sense of continuity and tradition for the Bears.
The McCaskeys, particularly Virginia McCaskey, have been at the helm of the franchise for nearly four decades. While the family is not as visible in the public eye as some other team owners, their influence on the franchise’s direction is undeniable.
2. Virginia Halas McCaskey
At the heart of the McCaskey family’s ownership is Virginia Halas McCaskey, the daughter of George Halas. Born in 1923, Virginia inherited ownership of the Bears upon her father’s death and has remained deeply involved in the team’s operations ever since. As of today, she is the oldest owner in the NFL, a testament to her long-standing dedication to the team and the league.
While Virginia is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the team, she continues to be a central figure in the Bears’ organization, attending games and participating in major team decisions. Her passion for the Bears is evident, and her presence serves as a bridge to the team’s founding legacy.
3. The Role of George McCaskey
As Virginia McCaskey has aged, much of the day-to-day management of the team has been passed to her children. Currently, her son George McCaskey serves as the Chairman of the Chicago Bears. George McCaskey has been in this role since 2011, taking over from his brother Michael McCaskey, who held the position for nearly three decades.
George McCaskey oversees the team’s business and football operations, making critical decisions about the direction of the franchise. While he is not as publicly recognized as other NFL team owners, his leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the McCaskey family’s legacy of ownership.
The McCaskey Family Legacy
1. Family-Oriented Ownership
One of the unique aspects of the Chicago Bears’ ownership is the family-oriented approach the McCaskeys have taken. For over 100 years, the team has remained under the control of the same family, ensuring a consistent philosophy and approach to the franchise’s operations. While many NFL teams have been sold to corporate owners or outside investors, the Bears have retained their family legacy, which is a point of pride for both the team and its fans.
The McCaskey family’s commitment to upholding George Halas’ values has helped foster a strong sense of loyalty among Bears fans. The team’s dedication to hard work, resilience, and community involvement reflects the values that Halas instilled in the organization.
2. Key Achievements Under the McCaskeys
The McCaskey family has overseen many significant moments in the Bears’ history. Perhaps the most iconic achievement was the team’s 1985 Super Bowl victory, which remains one of the most celebrated championships in NFL history. The 1985 Bears, led by coach Mike Ditka and featuring legendary players like Walter Payton and Mike Singletary, are often regarded as one of the greatest teams of all time.
While the Bears have had their ups and downs in recent years, the family’s commitment to the franchise has never wavered. The McCaskeys continue to work toward returning the team to its former glory, with a focus on building a strong roster and maintaining the team’s iconic status in the NFL.
3. Challenges and Criticisms
Like any long-standing ownership group, the McCaskeys have faced their share of challenges and criticisms. Periods of poor performance on the field, coaching changes, and struggles to return to playoff contention have led some fans to question the family’s management of the team. Despite these challenges, the McCaskeys remain committed to the Bears and continue to work toward building a competitive team.
The Future of the Chicago Bears Ownership
1. Will the McCaskey Family Continue to Own the Team?
The McCaskey family’s ownership of the Bears has spanned generations, and there’s no indication that the family plans to relinquish control anytime soon. With George McCaskey leading the organization, the future of the Bears seems firmly rooted in the McCaskey family’s hands. The family has expressed a desire to keep the team within the family for as long as possible, preserving the legacy started by George Halas.
2. Potential for New Ownership
While there has been speculation in the past about the possibility of selling the team, the McCaskeys have consistently refuted these claims. Given the team’s rich history and its ties to the family’s identity, it seems unlikely that the Bears would be sold to outside investors. However, as with any franchise, there is always the possibility of change in the future, though it seems the McCaskey family’s grip on the team will remain for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
Who owns the Chicago Bears football team? The McCaskey family, descendants of the legendary George Halas, have been the proud owners of the Bears for decades. From Virginia Halas McCaskey’s leadership to the current role of George McCaskey, the family has maintained control of the franchise, fostering a sense of tradition and continuity in the organization. While the Bears have faced challenges over the years, the McCaskey family’s dedication to the team remains unwavering, ensuring that the legacy of George Halas lives on.
FAQs
Q. Who owns the Chicago Bears football team?
A. The Chicago Bears are owned by the McCaskey family, descendants of team founder George Halas.
Q. When did the McCaskey family take ownership of the Chicago Bears?
A. The McCaskey family assumed ownership of the Bears following the death of George Halas in 1983.
Q. Who is Virginia Halas McCaskey?
A. Virginia Halas McCaskey is the daughter of George Halas and the principal owner of the Chicago Bears. She has been involved with the team for decades.
Q. Will the McCaskey family continue to own the Bears?
A. The McCaskey family has expressed their desire to keep ownership of the Bears within the family for future generations.
Q. What role does George McCaskey play in the Bears’ operations?
A. George McCaskey, Virginia’s son, currently serves as Chairman of the Chicago Bears and oversees the team’s business and football operations.
