Virginia McCaskey, who inherited the Chicago Bears from her father, George Halas, but avoided the spotlight during four-plus decades as principal owner, has died. She was 102.

McCaskey’s family announced through the team that she died Thursday. She had owned the Bears since her father’s death on Oct. 31, 1983.

“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 family said. “She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans.”

Like her father, a co-founder of the NFL, McCaskey kept the team in family hands. She gave operational control and the title of president to her eldest son, Michael McCaskey, who served as chairman until being succeeded by brother George McCaskey in 2011.

During her stewardship, the Bears won a Super Bowl in 1986 and lost a second 21 years later.

Four of McCaskey’s sons remain with the Bears’ board of directors: George, Patrick, Brian and Ed. A recent valuation by Forbes.com pegged the team’s worth at $6.4 billion.

Spielman to work with Jets’ front office

Rick Spielman helped the New York Jets find their new coach and general manager. Now, he’ll be part of their revamped front office. The former Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins general manager announced on his CBS Sports podcast Thursday that he’ll serve as the team’s senior football adviser.

Spielman and former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum assisted New York owner Woody Johnson in the franchise’s two searches during the past few months. Spielman and Tannenbaum were part of The 33rd Team, a football media, analytics and consulting group founded in 2019 by Tannenbaum that helped identify and vet GM and coach candidates and coordinate interviews.

The Jets recently hired Aaron Glenn as their coach and Darren Mougey as their GM, and both were introduced last Monday.

“I don’t need to make the decisions,” Spielman said. “I don’t want to make the decisions anymore, I really don’t. I had my day in the sun, the good and the bad. What I enjoy the most is sharing experiences.”

The 62-year-old Spielman served as the Vikings’ general manager from 2012 to 2021 after working as the team’s vice president of player personnel for six years. He was also the Dolphins’ GM in 2004 and served as an adviser last year for the Washington Commanders in their GM and coaching searches.