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Bears owner Virginia McCaskey pays tribute on Veteran's Day

Virginia McCaskey paid tribute to active troops and military veterans in a short video spot during the Bears' Sunday night game against the Texans on NBC.

By Bryan Kilpatrick
Jonathan Daniel

Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey showed her appreciation for veterans and active troops in a short Veteran's Day tribute put together by NBC during the team's game against the Houston Texans on Sunday night.

McCaskey is the daughter of longtime Bears owner, player and head coach George Halas, who served in the Navy during both World Wars. In addition, McCaskey's husband, brother and grandson have served in the military.

NBC Sports broadcaster Al Michaels referred to the Halas family as "the First Family of Football" after the segment aired. George Halas was the active owner of the Bears for 63 years, while playing for the first eight years of his ownership tenure and coaching for 40 the initial 47 seasons.

The Bears and the Halas family have a history of supporting the military. In 1946, upon his return from serving in World War II, George Halas set up an annual charity football game to benefit relief agencies of the armed forces. Total proceeds from 12 annual games between 1946 and 1957 totaled over $2 million.