The late owner of the Chicago Bears, George Halas, was not just a figurehead in the world of professional football. He was an embodiment of dedication, leadership, and integrity. Halas’s life was deeply shaped by three key pillars that guided him: faith, family, and football. These “North Stars” served as the foundation of his identity and his approach to life, both on and off the field. The legacy he left behind not only shaped the Bears into one of the most storied franchises in NFL history but also set a precedent for future generations of both players and owners.
Halas’s journey was one of remarkable resilience, vision, and passion. From his early days as a player to his time as an owner, Halas’s impact on the Bears and the NFL was immeasurable. But beyond his football career, he always placed his faith and family at the heart of everything he did. His devotion to these principles allowed him to build a legacy that transcends football and continues to inspire all those who come into contact with the Bears organization.
Faith: The Spiritual Backbone of George Halas
George Halas’s deep-rooted faith was perhaps the most foundational aspect of his life. Raised in a devout Christian household, Halas’s faith shaped his worldview and provided him with strength during both times of success and adversity. For Halas, faith was more than just a religious practice—it was a guiding principle that influenced his actions, decisions, and interactions with others.
Halas was often described as a man of integrity who believed in doing the right thing, even when no one was looking. His faith provided him with the moral compass to navigate the challenges of life and business. In a world that can often be cutthroat and competitive, Halas’s unwavering faith reminded him of the importance of compassion, humility, and honor.
During his time with the Bears, Halas instilled these values into the organization. His commitment to faith influenced not just the way he ran the team but also how he treated those around him. Whether it was his interactions with players, coaches, or staff, Halas’s faith-driven approach always focused on respect and building relationships. He was known for taking care of his players not just as athletes but as people. His dedication to the well-being of those who worked for the team was a testament to his belief that faith should be evident in every aspect of life.
Halas’s faith also played a role in his resilience. He faced numerous challenges in both his personal and professional life, from the tragedies of World War II to the changing landscape of professional football, but his faith kept him grounded. It gave him the strength to continue on even in the face of adversity. This strength, fueled by his spiritual beliefs, helped him to build and maintain one of the most successful franchises in the history of the NFL.
Family: The Heart of George Halas’s World
Another key aspect of Halas’s life was his unwavering devotion to his family. He was a loving father and husband, and his family was always his top priority. Halas often spoke about the importance of family in shaping his values and his approach to both life and business. For him, family wasn’t just about blood relations; it was about creating a sense of unity, loyalty, and support.
Halas’s family played an integral role in the growth and success of the Bears organization. His children, particularly his son, George Halas Jr., were involved in the team’s operations, ensuring that the family legacy would continue for generations to come. Halas was known for creating a family-like atmosphere within the Bears organization, fostering a sense of camaraderie and loyalty among players and staff.
One of the most notable examples of Halas’s commitment to family was his decision to bring his daughter, Virginia Halas McCaskey, into the fold as the team’s majority owner. When George Halas passed away in 1983, Virginia took over the reins of the Bears, becoming the first woman to own a major professional football team. Halas’s trust in his family to carry on his vision was evident, and his daughter has continued his legacy to this day. Under her leadership, the Bears have remained one of the most respected franchises in the NFL.
Halas’s family values extended beyond just the inner circle of his own relatives. He viewed the players and coaches as part of an extended family, and this sense of kinship was evident in the team’s culture. Halas was known to take a personal interest in the lives of his players, frequently offering guidance and support both on and off the field. His belief in loyalty and hard work was something he passed down not just through words but through his actions. The Bears organization became a place where players felt like they were part of something bigger, something that resembled the support and unity found within a family.
In a world where professional sports often prioritizes money, fame, and success above all else, George Halas remained committed to creating an organization where people mattered. His family-first approach laid the groundwork for an enduring legacy that has continued to define the Bears.
Football: The Passion and Drive Behind George Halas’s Success
Of course, George Halas’s most lasting legacy will always be his impact on the game of football. As a player, coach, and owner, Halas was instrumental in shaping the NFL into what it is today. His passion for the game was boundless, and he dedicated his life to making the Bears a competitive force within the league.
Halas was a key figure in the founding of the NFL. In 1920, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the league, which was initially known as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). Halas’s Chicago Bears, originally known as the Decatur Staleys, were one of the founding teams of the league. From the very beginning, Halas was committed to elevating the game of football to new heights.
As a player, Halas was known for his toughness, determination, and leadership. He played wide receiver and defensive end for the Staleys before transitioning into a coaching role. His strategic mind and deep understanding of the game allowed him to excel as both a player and a coach. After transitioning into coaching, Halas led the Bears to numerous championships, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful and innovative coaches in NFL history.
Halas’s influence on the game went far beyond his coaching success. He was a visionary who saw the potential for professional football to grow into a national pastime. His business acumen, paired with his understanding of the game, allowed him to build the Bears into one of the most successful and valuable franchises in the NFL. Under his leadership, the team became a model of excellence, winning multiple championships and helping to define the culture of the league.
Even after he transitioned from coaching to ownership, Halas remained a driving force within the Bears organization. He continued to shape the direction of the team and played a critical role in the development of the NFL. His leadership and vision helped the Bears stay competitive throughout the years, even as the league underwent significant changes.
Halas’s passion for football was also reflected in his commitment to innovation. He was responsible for many of the game’s early innovations, including the use of the forward pass and the development of the NFL’s first official rules. His contributions to the game were far-reaching and continue to have a lasting impact on the way football is played today.
George Halas’s Legacy: A Legacy Built on Faith, Family, and Football
When George Halas passed away in 1983, the entire NFL mourned the loss of a pioneer, a leader, and a visionary. His impact on the Bears and the league was immeasurable, and his legacy continues to live on today. For Halas, the three “North Stars” of his life—faith, family, and football—served as guiding principles that shaped everything he did.
Halas’s faith gave him the strength to overcome adversity and the moral compass to lead with integrity. His devotion to family created an environment of loyalty and support within the Bears organization. And his passion for football allowed him to build one of the most successful franchises in the history of the NFL.
Today, the Chicago Bears continue to honor Halas’s legacy. His daughter, Virginia McCaskey, now serves as the team’s owner, ensuring that the Halas family’s values continue to guide the franchise. The Bears remain one of the most respected teams in the NFL, and much of their success can be traced back to the foundation George Halas built.