Chicago Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey died Thursday at the age of 102, the team announced.
"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 McCaskey family said in a statement. "She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans."
The 国产外流网community was similarly devastated by the loss of a league matriarch.
Below is a sampling of league-wide remembrances of McCaskey:
Statement from 国产外流网Commissioner Roger Goodell:
"Virginia Halas McCaskey, the matriarch of the Chicago Bears and daughter of George Halas, the founder of the NFL, leaves a legacy of class, dignity, and humanity. Faith, family, and football -- in that order -- were her north stars and she lived by the simple adage to always 'do the right thing.' The Bears that her father started meant the world to her and he would be proud of the way she continued the family business with such dedication and passion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McCaskey and Halas families and Bears fans around the world."
Ron Rivera, who played on the Bears' Super Bowl XX-winning team in 1985, joined 国产外流网Network's Super Bowl LIVE broadcast on Thursday upon the learning of McCaskey's passing.
"She truly was a matriarch of the Chicago Bears, but also of the of the NFL," Rivera said. "She's a person that grew up in football, been around it her entire life and led that kind of life and she was an amazing, amazing person. I always remember just how energetic she was about us, about the Chicago Bear football team. That was such a big deal for her."
Famed Bears cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman was alongside Rivera and recounted a story that showed McCaskey's benevolence.
"One of the best things that I will always remember about Mrs. McCaskey is in 2008 my daughter had some heart complications and we were going through our things, you know, dealing with my daughter," Tillman said. "Mrs. McCaskey's very old school. She hand-wrote me a letter -- cursive, great penmanship -- and it really just said, 'I'm sorry that you're having a goal through this. Things will work itself out. I love the Lord, I'm praying for you, my family's praying for you when I go to church. I'll say an extra prayer for you. Here's my number, call me, let me know if there is anything that I can do for you and or your family.' That's what I want people to remember about Mrs. McCaskey, not just the football side, but the humanity of how caring and how giving -- she was just a very kind woman."
Added Rivera: "When anything came up about the Chicago Bears, she was always up in front and she wanted to make sure things were done the right way and set properly, because, to her, it was very important that everybody understood that the Chicago Bears were doing things the right way."
Statement from Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan on the passing of Virginia Halas McCaskey:
"I wish peace and comfort to the McCaskey Family and everyone within the Chicago Bears organization upon the passing of Virginia Halas McCaskey. The Bears were my first football love, and many years later it would be my immense privilege to learn from Mrs. McCaskey and her family as I explored a future in the NFL. Mrs. McCaskey did everything the right way, and her focus on family and the people in her life only begin to honor her legacy. We have lost a legend, but her positive impact on our game and league will last forever."
