In 1983, the Chicago Bears founder and NFL legend George Halas passed away. He left the organization to his daughter, Virginia McCaskey. The team won a Super Bowl in 1985 to honor his memory and she has done everything possible to run the organization with class since then. It wasn't always great, but nobody can deny she did so much for the game, opening it up to women and other cultures. Sadly, news dropped on Thursday, February 6th, that Mrs. McCaskey has passed away at the age of 102, leaving behind an incredible legacy.
The timing of this seems rather eerie in some ways. Halas died not long after he hired new head coach Mike Ditka, who'd brought more optimism to the organization than seen in years. Now the Bears hire Ben Johnson, the most highly-touted candidate to hit the market in some time, and she passes only a few weeks later. If that weren't enough, Virginia lasted just long enough to see her beloved team beat the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. On her birthday, no less. If people believe in divine intervention, that certainly seems to qualify.
McCaskey's death puts the Chicago Bears' future in question.
Many have wondered how the organization's power structure could change with her gone. Everyone knew Virginia steadfastly refused to sell the team her father had spent decades building. However, the same feeling might not be shared by others in the McCaskey family. There have been rumblings that several of the younger generation have pushed to sell. George McCaskey, the team's chairman, seems to be the pillar around which everything will spin. He's made it clear there are no plans to sell. Whether he can ensure that is worth debating. George hasn't always been known for his business savvy. He may have to stave off a power struggle if things get heated in the coming months. That is often what happens when an owner dies. Denver, Houston, and Carolina all saw it. The Chicago Bears appear on the cusp of change.
