WEBVTT - Singletary, Urlacher, Rivera remember Virginia Halas McCaskey | Bears Weekly Podcast 0:00:02.360 --> 0:00:06.560 Welcome in to Bears Weekly, powered by IGS Energy by 0:00:06.680 --> 0:00:10.479 Chicago Bears Network production. Bears Weekly is brought to you 0:00:10.560 --> 0:00:18.200 by Advocate Healthcare, Athletico Physical Therapy, CD Kellaghan, Connie's Pizza, IGS. 0:00:17.600 --> 0:00:20.599 Energy, and Menard. Here are your. 0:00:20.440 --> 0:00:24.439 Hosts, Jeff Chiliack KKA, the Mayor of Bearsville, and his 0:00:24.600 --> 0:00:29.040 sidekick Tom the Surfmaster Thayer Well rare. 0:00:28.960 --> 0:00:30.880 Is the person who could uplift a room in the 0:00:30.920 --> 0:00:34.200 manner of Virginia. Hallis McCaskey could with just her warm 0:00:34.320 --> 0:00:36.760 smile and hello, the matriarch of the Bears and the 0:00:36.840 --> 0:00:39.200 daughter of George Hallis, the founding father of the National 0:00:39.200 --> 0:00:42.919 Football League, has passed and with that we offer our 0:00:42.920 --> 0:00:46.680 prayers condolences to the McCaskey and Hallis families, the entire 0:00:46.760 --> 0:00:49.360 Bears family, and Bears fans that span the globe. This 0:00:49.440 --> 0:00:51.919 is a special edition of Bears Weekly on ESPN one 0:00:51.960 --> 0:00:54.200 thousand on the Chicago Bears Radio Network with Super Bowl 0:00:54.200 --> 0:00:57.040 winning Bears guard Tom Thayer and Jim Miller, the former 0:00:57.040 --> 0:00:59.880 Bears quarterback from Sirius x M NFL Radio, joining U shortly. 0:01:00.000 --> 0:01:02.880 I'm Jeff Joniak. Will take this hour to look back 0:01:02.920 --> 0:01:05.360 at a life well lived, a long life that ends 0:01:05.400 --> 0:01:08.399 after one hundred two years, but one that leaves a 0:01:08.520 --> 0:01:14.280 unique legacy filled with love, kindness, compassion, selflessness, and charity. 0:01:14.800 --> 0:01:16.840 For those of us fortunate enough to get to know 0:01:16.920 --> 0:01:19.600 missus McCaskey over the years, or those who have met 0:01:19.640 --> 0:01:22.840 her only once, we deeply feel this loss because she 0:01:22.880 --> 0:01:26.360 will be cherished forever. Tom, I know you feel exactly 0:01:26.440 --> 0:01:27.039 the same way. 0:01:27.360 --> 0:01:31.800 Yeah, she's an NFL royalty. She is football royalty. She's 0:01:31.880 --> 0:01:34.600 the development of the biggest game in the history of 0:01:34.760 --> 0:01:39.479 the United States royalty. She's got all those nice things 0:01:39.480 --> 0:01:41.520 that you said about her. She also has a world 0:01:41.520 --> 0:01:45.759 of experience that will never be relived by anybody since 0:01:45.800 --> 0:01:48.400 the inception of the game that was built through her father, 0:01:48.840 --> 0:01:52.040 through the long life that she had, and the experiences 0:01:52.080 --> 0:01:55.280 that she had as a young kid in football, to 0:01:55.440 --> 0:01:58.440 where she was experienced up into the game up until 0:01:58.480 --> 0:02:03.960 the conclusion of this season. She's just an incredible, incredible person. 0:02:04.600 --> 0:02:07.960 She has the passion for the sports unlike a lot 0:02:08.000 --> 0:02:12.160 of others, and she's the type of person if there 0:02:12.200 --> 0:02:14.680 was more people like her, it would be a better world. 0:02:15.040 --> 0:02:17.239 One hundred percent took the words right out about many 0:02:17.280 --> 0:02:19.760 people told me that same thing today, it would be 0:02:19.800 --> 0:02:22.240 a better world. Coming up on the program, we're gonna 0:02:22.240 --> 0:02:25.560 be joined by former Bears Ron Rivera Hall of Famer, 0:02:25.600 --> 0:02:29.200 Mike Singletary, and former Chicago Tribune NFL writer Don Pearson. 0:02:29.240 --> 0:02:33.320 We'll hear from Jason McKee, We'll hear from Jerry Azuma 0:02:33.440 --> 0:02:36.720 and in moments Brian Erlacker to share their stories and 0:02:36.760 --> 0:02:40.040 define her impact on this great franchise and the NFL. 0:02:40.600 --> 0:02:43.680 We thank our producers tonight, Sean Granny, Dan Burrilli, and 0:02:43.800 --> 0:02:46.840 Jordan Treadup. And the executive producer of the Bears Radio 0:02:46.880 --> 0:02:51.080 Network is Eric Ostwasky. So do we have Jim. He's 0:02:51.080 --> 0:02:53.880 at the super Bowl in New Orleans, and Jim, I 0:02:53.960 --> 0:02:57.800 know you met this woman and we're a Bear during 0:02:57.800 --> 0:02:59.840 a great period of time when the Bears went to 0:02:59.840 --> 0:03:02.840 the one. So I know on those trips when you 0:03:02.880 --> 0:03:04.920 saw the wins, you saw the expression on her face 0:03:05.040 --> 0:03:05.519 was all good. 0:03:06.639 --> 0:03:09.400 Yeah, you know, it's a it's a sad day, you 0:03:09.440 --> 0:03:13.280 know what, A just a wonderful human being, like you said, 0:03:13.320 --> 0:03:16.040 always they're always traveling to the games, always a part 0:03:16.040 --> 0:03:18.480 of the team, and you know, and her husband ed, 0:03:18.880 --> 0:03:21.520 you know, I always bring up Ed. You know, those 0:03:21.520 --> 0:03:26.040 two were so wonderful together and you know, Ed we 0:03:26.120 --> 0:03:29.200 had some of the greatest conversations in the training room 0:03:29.240 --> 0:03:32.240 and same with Virginia, and you know, so it's a 0:03:32.280 --> 0:03:34.800 sad day in the NFL for you know, I think 0:03:34.800 --> 0:03:37.600 we understand how the direction the NFL is going, but 0:03:37.680 --> 0:03:41.560 to have these family owned franchises like say the Rooneys 0:03:41.720 --> 0:03:44.520 or say the mccaskey's, it's special and there's a lot 0:03:44.520 --> 0:03:48.280 of rich history with those great organizations. And you know, 0:03:48.440 --> 0:03:51.600 so thoughts and prayers to the McCaskey family, to everybody 0:03:51.680 --> 0:03:55.280 in the organization. And you know, loyalty is a wonderful 0:03:55.360 --> 0:03:58.720 trait and I definitely believe and know that the McCaskey 0:03:58.720 --> 0:04:02.960 family definitely have that trait. And it's with you know, 0:04:03.160 --> 0:04:06.360 just a sad day all around for the NFL. 0:04:06.720 --> 0:04:08.920 You know, I think it's super fitting that the Super 0:04:08.920 --> 0:04:11.720 Bowl is in New Orleans this week because that's a 0:04:11.760 --> 0:04:14.760 locker room that Virginia McCaskey was in at the conclusion 0:04:14.800 --> 0:04:18.200 of our Super Bowl that we won, and she was 0:04:19.320 --> 0:04:22.160 had the biggest smile in the building, was big as 0:04:22.240 --> 0:04:25.800 big as anybody that was inside that building. And for 0:04:25.880 --> 0:04:28.479 this Super Bowl to be played in New Orleans this year, 0:04:28.920 --> 0:04:32.440 when that's where Virginia McCaskey was when she represented the 0:04:32.520 --> 0:04:37.200 Chicago Bears an acceptance of the Lombardi Trophy. It is 0:04:37.320 --> 0:04:39.920 fitting that that Super Bowl is being played in New 0:04:40.000 --> 0:04:41.240 Orleans this week. 0:04:41.279 --> 0:04:44.120 And fitting that the Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers 0:04:44.120 --> 0:04:46.520 on the foot of Cairo Santos to end the twenty 0:04:46.560 --> 0:04:49.640 twenty four season with a win. So she went out 0:04:49.680 --> 0:04:52.280 in fine fashion with a win. There a statement from 0:04:52.320 --> 0:04:54.560 the team earlier, just a portion of it. While we 0:04:54.640 --> 0:04:57.960 are set, we are comforted knowing Virginia Hollis McCaskey lived 0:04:57.960 --> 0:05:01.039 a long, full, faith filled life and is now with 0:05:01.120 --> 0:05:03.559 the love of her life on earth. The family said 0:05:03.839 --> 0:05:06.239 she guided the Bears for four decades and based every 0:05:06.240 --> 0:05:09.760 business decision and what was best for Bears players, coaches, 0:05:09.920 --> 0:05:13.680 staff and fans. Just a short time ago, also down 0:05:13.720 --> 0:05:15.719 in New Orleans, WHI Jim is covering the Super Bowl, 0:05:16.160 --> 0:05:18.880 Bears Hall of Famer Brian Erlacker, I was able to 0:05:18.920 --> 0:05:21.520 reach him on the phone before he attends a function, 0:05:22.240 --> 0:05:27.200 the great function that coach Ditka started. The Wounded Warriors party, 0:05:27.400 --> 0:05:29.480 always a big one at the Super Bowl. Here's my 0:05:29.560 --> 0:05:32.240 conversation with the Bears middle linebacker Ryan. 0:05:32.279 --> 0:05:34.279 When you heard the news, what's the first thing that 0:05:34.320 --> 0:05:35.120 popped in your head? 0:05:35.839 --> 0:05:38.480 I was sad. You know. I saw her. She was 0:05:38.520 --> 0:05:40.760 at my Hall of Fame party and I saw her 0:05:40.800 --> 0:05:43.080 I think the next year at a home game for 0:05:43.120 --> 0:05:46.000 the Bears. That was actually the Philadelphia playoff game. I 0:05:46.040 --> 0:05:48.279 saw her in the box. And she always is so 0:05:48.400 --> 0:05:51.520 nice and so sweet, you know. But yeah, she showed 0:05:51.600 --> 0:05:52.800 up to my Hall of Fame party. I think the 0:05:52.839 --> 0:05:55.080 game was over at like eleven, and her and the 0:05:55.120 --> 0:05:58.160 family rolled in around twelve thirty after the game just 0:05:58.200 --> 0:06:00.920 to pay their respects. Was pretty awesome. Really sad this 0:06:00.960 --> 0:06:02.480 morning when I heard the news. 0:06:02.760 --> 0:06:04.560 Yeah, I was at that party, and I think it 0:06:04.600 --> 0:06:06.919 was like, yeah, well twelve fifteen stated. 0:06:07.000 --> 0:06:13.480 Right, yeah, well that it was visual. We loved her 0:06:13.480 --> 0:06:15.360 as well. It was nice spirit whenever we saw her 0:06:15.360 --> 0:06:16.839 in the building. You know, she was there every day, 0:06:16.960 --> 0:06:19.680 you know, when I was playing, she was still young. 0:06:19.800 --> 0:06:21.920 She was in her eighties about that, you know, but 0:06:22.240 --> 0:06:23.480 she still went to work every day. 0:06:23.600 --> 0:06:25.400 I can't get out of my head though, the NFC 0:06:25.520 --> 0:06:29.680 title game, this snow Globe game, and she's there with 0:06:29.800 --> 0:06:33.400 a huge mongous smile on her face, soaking it all in, 0:06:33.800 --> 0:06:38.240 ready to receive the George S. Hollis Trophy to signify 0:06:38.279 --> 0:06:42.840 the NFC champion from Terry Bradshaw. Is that something that 0:06:42.920 --> 0:06:44.479 lives in your mind and your memory. 0:06:44.560 --> 0:06:47.120 That's yeah, that's one of my favorite moments of my career. Honestly. 0:06:47.240 --> 0:06:49.840 Just to be on that stage at our at our stadium, 0:06:49.839 --> 0:06:51.560 in front of our fans, playing the way we played 0:06:51.600 --> 0:06:54.800 that day. To be receiving the George House Trophy that 0:06:54.960 --> 0:06:57.800 we won, and you know, his his daughter's receiving and 0:06:57.839 --> 0:06:59.600 with U up thrown the stage is pretty awesome. That's 0:06:59.600 --> 0:07:01.440 one of my when people ask me what my one 0:07:01.440 --> 0:07:03.760 of my favorite moments is, it's definitely that's been my 0:07:03.839 --> 0:07:06.760 top two or three. Just a cool situation, you know, 0:07:06.800 --> 0:07:08.560 to have my teammates up there and her up there 0:07:08.600 --> 0:07:11.120 as well. Receiving that trophy was pretty special. 0:07:11.800 --> 0:07:13.560 You were there for a long time, so did you 0:07:13.600 --> 0:07:16.680 ever have any private moments where their conversations. Did you 0:07:16.720 --> 0:07:18.480 happen to pick her brain or you know, because she 0:07:18.560 --> 0:07:20.760 was always about family, so she was probably. 0:07:20.440 --> 0:07:23.800 Sure a family. Yeah, she's always My kids met her 0:07:23.800 --> 0:07:25.320 a few times when they were in the building. Yeah, 0:07:25.360 --> 0:07:27.600 everything was family first, and you know that from playing 0:07:27.680 --> 0:07:29.480 with playing there for the amount of time I did 0:07:29.880 --> 0:07:32.360 fail her in the facility every day doing their jobs. 0:07:33.440 --> 0:07:36.320 But yeah, we didn't no really private conversations, just like, 0:07:36.320 --> 0:07:38.480 how's your family, how are you? You know? That was 0:07:38.760 --> 0:07:41.120 most of our conversations consisted of that. I don't know 0:07:41.120 --> 0:07:43.440 that we ever talked about football, honestly. It was always 0:07:43.600 --> 0:07:47.080 families and how things are going in that aspect. 0:07:47.120 --> 0:07:49.600 Right, that is one thing, not a lot of football conversation. 0:07:49.720 --> 0:07:52.840 It was always about about the person. Lastly, before I 0:07:52.920 --> 0:07:54.480 let you go and appreciate it. I know you're down 0:07:54.480 --> 0:07:58.320 to the Super Bowl already to enjoy tonight's party with coach, 0:07:58.400 --> 0:08:00.960 did you know? Passing then on? So thank you for 0:08:01.000 --> 0:08:01.480 doing that. 0:08:02.920 --> 0:08:04.840 Fun Jeff, And you know he does such a great 0:08:04.880 --> 0:08:07.840 job with good Aaron great. I've heard your coaches doing better. 0:08:07.960 --> 0:08:10.120 I'm excited about that, you know, I've seen a couple 0:08:10.320 --> 0:08:11.560 a couple of years ago. I saw him and it 0:08:12.120 --> 0:08:13.520 was kind of sad scene them like that. And then 0:08:13.600 --> 0:08:15.120 I heard some news of other day from one of 0:08:15.160 --> 0:08:17.160 the women who run this organization saying that he's doing 0:08:17.200 --> 0:08:19.360 a lot better. He's talking better on the at and 0:08:19.400 --> 0:08:21.920 she said, tell me hi, So I was excited about that. 0:08:21.920 --> 0:08:25.320 That's Bears linebacker Brian Erlacker, the Hall of Famer. We're 0:08:25.320 --> 0:08:27.080 gonna take a break. When we come back, we'll be 0:08:27.160 --> 0:08:30.720 joined by Tom's old teammate and former Bears coach, defensive 0:08:30.760 --> 0:08:33.880 coordinator and outstanding player, Ron Riverao. Join us here on 0:08:33.960 --> 0:08:36.040 Bears Weekly on the SBN one thousand of the Bears 0:08:36.120 --> 0:08:36.760 Radio Network. 0:08:37.120 --> 0:08:41.160 Welcome back to Bears Weekly on the Bears Radio Network. 0:08:41.480 --> 0:08:45.040 Here's your host, the Voice of the Bears, Jeff Jonian. 0:08:50.120 --> 0:08:52.720 He is brought to you by Igs Centered Jeff Joniak, 0:08:52.800 --> 0:08:55.640 Tom Fair, and Jim Miller from Serious X and MNFL 0:08:55.720 --> 0:08:58.480 Radio covering the Super Bowl down in New Orleans, a 0:08:58.520 --> 0:09:01.280 place that Ron Rivera lebrated with Tom Thayer the rest 0:09:01.280 --> 0:09:06.120 of his teammates in Super Bowl win in nineteen eighty six. 0:09:06.160 --> 0:09:09.360 After the eighty five season, Super Bowl twenty and Ron 0:09:09.440 --> 0:09:11.960 kind enough to join us. Unfortunately, I made that phone 0:09:12.000 --> 0:09:14.120 call to you today, Ron with the news and your 0:09:14.200 --> 0:09:17.760 action was, you know, okay, fell off. Okay, we'll get 0:09:17.840 --> 0:09:20.840 him right back here in a second. So the calls 0:09:20.960 --> 0:09:23.960 are the toughest thing, Tommy, The calls of the bad 0:09:24.040 --> 0:09:27.720 news that somebody has passed away. 0:09:32.920 --> 0:09:35.880 As soon as the news did get out there, you know, 0:09:36.000 --> 0:09:38.120 I heard from a lot of different corners of the 0:09:38.200 --> 0:09:43.000 country about the passing of Virginia. And I think because 0:09:43.040 --> 0:09:46.480 of everybody knew that how old that she had grown 0:09:46.520 --> 0:09:49.319 to that everybody that was not only concerned, but they 0:09:49.320 --> 0:09:52.920 were so appreciative of her adventure in her life and 0:09:52.960 --> 0:09:56.040 her accomplishments and everything. So I think that was a 0:09:56.120 --> 0:10:02.679 significant part of everybody's concern and out and Jim, you. 0:10:02.640 --> 0:10:06.080 Know, listening to Brian Urlacher, I love talking to him 0:10:06.320 --> 0:10:09.840 about what was going on there, great memories for him. 0:10:10.080 --> 0:10:12.640 You know, he was very flattered that she was at 0:10:12.640 --> 0:10:14.360 his Hall of Fame party at that hour. 0:10:15.320 --> 0:10:18.400 Well yeah, I mean, hey, the Bears have a recorded history. 0:10:18.440 --> 0:10:21.319 I mean they've got the most Hall of famers of anybody, 0:10:21.400 --> 0:10:25.280 and obviously with Tester and Brian, you know, the most 0:10:25.280 --> 0:10:29.360 recent and Mongol McMichael. And I mean there's a sense 0:10:29.400 --> 0:10:32.680 of pride now, I mean, she she knows what that means. 0:10:32.720 --> 0:10:35.559 She knows the history of the league and how special 0:10:35.640 --> 0:10:39.240 that is. And you know that's something in her and 0:10:39.440 --> 0:10:42.800 Ed's trophy case and Papa Hallis's trophy case of all 0:10:42.840 --> 0:10:46.600 the great players that they've introduced to the country that 0:10:46.600 --> 0:10:48.920 have played for the Chicago Bears. And there's a sense 0:10:48.960 --> 0:10:52.960 of pride, no different than I'm sure her children. You know, 0:10:53.040 --> 0:10:55.640 she's got wonderful children who all work for the for 0:10:55.679 --> 0:10:58.360 the Bears, from from Mike one down to the Pat 0:10:58.400 --> 0:11:01.079 and Rich and Brian and and what they do and 0:11:01.600 --> 0:11:03.800 how a part of it they are. So there's a 0:11:03.880 --> 0:11:07.320 sense of pride, and she should be proud. And boy, 0:11:07.360 --> 0:11:10.120 what a wonderful life she lived, no. 0:11:10.679 --> 0:11:12.559 Question about it. Ron Rivera now kind of enough to 0:11:12.640 --> 0:11:15.080 join us, Chico. How you doing, man? Think about what 0:11:15.360 --> 0:11:19.000 missus mccatney witnessed firsthand, from Red Grange to Shid Luckman, 0:11:19.400 --> 0:11:22.439 the forties championship run, the sixty three team, the eighty 0:11:22.480 --> 0:11:25.960 five team, alive for eight of the nine championships. I mean, 0:11:26.000 --> 0:11:28.400 nobody on this planet has been able to see all 0:11:28.400 --> 0:11:28.760 that run. 0:11:29.920 --> 0:11:32.400 Nobody has. And that's the amazing thing about who she is. 0:11:32.800 --> 0:11:35.319 You know, she's grown up in this situation and circumstances. 0:11:35.320 --> 0:11:37.880 She's been a very big part of the NFL, and 0:11:37.920 --> 0:11:39.960 she's a big part of Chicago Bear lore. I mean, 0:11:40.080 --> 0:11:44.920 she saw more than anybody else, and now unfortunately we've 0:11:44.960 --> 0:11:48.120 lost her, And you know, I think her legacy will 0:11:48.160 --> 0:11:50.280 carry on, especially if if you were a guy that 0:11:50.920 --> 0:11:53.679 played for that organization and she allows you to become 0:11:53.720 --> 0:11:55.080 part of it. I mean that to me is what's 0:11:55.160 --> 0:11:56.080 really really special. 0:11:56.600 --> 0:11:58.840 Hey, Ron, you know, I grew up in the Chicagoland area, 0:11:58.960 --> 0:12:01.800 so I've known her. For you, McCaskey is my entire life. 0:12:02.160 --> 0:12:04.319 So you come from the West Coast and you come 0:12:04.360 --> 0:12:06.559 into the building and you have a chance for the 0:12:06.600 --> 0:12:10.200 first time to see Virginia McCaskey, to be around her. 0:12:10.040 --> 0:12:11.760 For the period of your career. 0:12:11.720 --> 0:12:15.079 To get the understanding of how serious she is about 0:12:15.080 --> 0:12:18.600 the sport of football. Do you ever remember your initial 0:12:19.120 --> 0:12:21.360 reaction or introduction. 0:12:20.920 --> 0:12:23.560 To her, I do, I do. You know what it 0:12:23.640 --> 0:12:26.120 was interesting was when you made the team back in 0:12:26.160 --> 0:12:27.440 the day. And I don't know if they did that 0:12:27.480 --> 0:12:30.200 to you Tom in eighty five, But in eighty four, 0:12:30.640 --> 0:12:35.560 what happened was Coach Dicka had all the rookies line 0:12:35.600 --> 0:12:39.160 up in front of the team, and and and and 0:12:39.240 --> 0:12:44.839 missus McCaskey came and she introduced Coach introduced us to her. 0:12:45.640 --> 0:12:48.559 And what happened was each one of us was given 0:12:48.840 --> 0:12:52.559 pallace by Hollis and gave us a you know, a 0:12:52.720 --> 0:12:55.599 a welcome and and it was just and it was 0:12:55.600 --> 0:12:58.400 amazing thing because you know, just she was. She was 0:12:58.400 --> 0:12:59.120 such an icon. 0:13:00.400 --> 0:13:05.160 Thanks well for me, Ron. I know you didn't have 0:13:05.200 --> 0:13:09.319 the opportunity to come to the Bears hundredth anniversary. I 0:13:09.400 --> 0:13:12.520 had the opportunity, and obviously Death and tom Ware hosting. 0:13:13.840 --> 0:13:17.320 And from your standpoint, you know, just talk about that history, 0:13:17.400 --> 0:13:19.679 talk about that tradition. I know you were coaching and 0:13:19.720 --> 0:13:22.600 doing your thing, but all those Bears that I just mentioned, 0:13:22.640 --> 0:13:24.920 there's more Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame, and 0:13:24.960 --> 0:13:29.920 there's a sense of pride. I think from that standpoint. 0:13:29.520 --> 0:13:32.240 There isn't a thing about about Missus mccaskimo or anything else. 0:13:32.280 --> 0:13:34.280 That was how much price you took in us, and 0:13:34.320 --> 0:13:36.640 that I think was one of the things. And you know, 0:13:36.800 --> 0:13:39.000 now I will say this, I know one thing, one 0:13:39.000 --> 0:13:41.960 team that she loved for us to beat was anytime 0:13:42.000 --> 0:13:44.080 we beat Green Bay. You could always see that smile 0:13:44.120 --> 0:13:45.680 on her face when you got on the airplane. And 0:13:45.679 --> 0:13:46.600 that was always neat to. 0:13:46.520 --> 0:13:50.800 See Ron Rivera joining us here on Bears Weekly on ESPN. 0:13:50.800 --> 0:13:54.680 One thousand of the Bears Radio Network, Tom Ron and Jim. 0:13:55.360 --> 0:13:58.760 The crazy thing she had a personal relationship with each 0:13:59.240 --> 0:14:02.359 of the thirty high of famers associated with the Bears. 0:14:03.280 --> 0:14:06.319 Absolutely, No, No, It's just absolutely because just as the 0:14:06.360 --> 0:14:08.520 way you know, she had a relationship with each one 0:14:08.559 --> 0:14:11.480 of her players. I mean, she was there during training camp, 0:14:11.520 --> 0:14:13.800 she was there, she was coming into discility all the time. 0:14:13.880 --> 0:14:17.200 She'd be walking the meetings on occasion, so she was 0:14:17.280 --> 0:14:20.000 around and she was there for us to see and 0:14:20.080 --> 0:14:21.760 for her to greet. So that was something that was 0:14:21.880 --> 0:14:24.360 very special, you know, Ron, in the. 0:14:24.280 --> 0:14:28.240 Course of our lifetime, whether it was Ed McCaskey, mc 0:14:28.680 --> 0:14:31.320 all of them. When you think about your career and 0:14:31.400 --> 0:14:34.600 what came of your career, do you think that you 0:14:34.600 --> 0:14:37.680 would have got into coaching if you weren't surrounded by 0:14:37.680 --> 0:14:41.280 a family owned team like the Chicago Bears in the. 0:14:41.200 --> 0:14:42.800 Environment that we both grew up in. 0:14:44.080 --> 0:14:47.280 You know what, I'm not sure because the thing about 0:14:47.320 --> 0:14:49.280 them and thing that was special about them was they 0:14:49.320 --> 0:14:52.040 wanted to make sure, you know, that we were given 0:14:52.120 --> 0:14:54.760 every opportunity. And that's one thing that I will always 0:14:54.800 --> 0:14:57.440 always remember is just the fact that they gave us 0:14:57.440 --> 0:15:01.880 that kind of an opportunity to grow as as football players, 0:15:01.920 --> 0:15:04.680 grow as people, and when the opportunity came to give 0:15:04.680 --> 0:15:08.240 me a chance, Ed McCaskey helped give me my opportunity 0:15:08.280 --> 0:15:09.920 to get into the NFL as a coach. 0:15:11.640 --> 0:15:15.280 Well, coach Tom Layer talked about it earlier, but your 0:15:15.360 --> 0:15:18.800 Super Bowl twenty victory and the irony you know here 0:15:19.200 --> 0:15:21.880 that was probably one of the ultimate highs in the 0:15:22.000 --> 0:15:25.560 Chicago Bears organization. In Virginia was a part of it 0:15:25.640 --> 0:15:27.960 right there with all you guys, and then here the 0:15:28.320 --> 0:15:31.600 Super Bowl in New Orleans, and I think Tom pretty 0:15:31.640 --> 0:15:34.800 much encapsulated that it's kind of come full circle and 0:15:35.200 --> 0:15:39.120 what a wonderful life her and Ed have lived, you know, 0:15:39.320 --> 0:15:42.240 and it just really the irony. 0:15:41.920 --> 0:15:45.240 Of it, well, it's truly ironic, just just the fact 0:15:45.280 --> 0:15:47.080 that it's here in New Orleans. You know, I just 0:15:47.080 --> 0:15:49.720 happened to be here at the NFL Honors and you know, 0:15:49.720 --> 0:15:52.360 I'm at the event right now. And the crazy part about, 0:15:52.360 --> 0:15:54.840 more than anything else, is just the fact that you know, 0:15:55.200 --> 0:15:58.600 she was so iconic and that now in one of 0:15:58.600 --> 0:16:01.400 the more iconic places, the host of Super Bowl, you know, 0:16:01.440 --> 0:16:03.600 we lose her. And so that was something that I 0:16:03.640 --> 0:16:06.240 will you most certainly remember all. 0:16:06.200 --> 0:16:09.520 Right, Ron, We'll let you go enjoy the show. NFL honors. 0:16:09.800 --> 0:16:13.160 Her name will be definitely be mentioned tonight there. Enjoy 0:16:13.200 --> 0:16:15.240 it down in New Orleans. Thanks for taking the time. 0:16:15.800 --> 0:16:17.920 I promise she'll be remembered. But I appreciate you, guys. 0:16:17.920 --> 0:16:19.920 I'm God bless Virginia McCaskey. 0:16:20.280 --> 0:16:24.720 Thanks appreciate it. Ron rivera Bears linebacker and Bears defensive 0:16:24.760 --> 0:16:27.800 coordinator for that two thousand and five team that went 0:16:27.840 --> 0:16:32.160 to the playoffs. I think some of the responses from 0:16:32.280 --> 0:16:35.840 throughout the league, from the teams, everybody weighing in. I'll 0:16:35.880 --> 0:16:38.680 just take a couple of highlights here. For example, Michael 0:16:38.680 --> 0:16:43.040 Bidwell in Arizona, greatest legacy, the character, compassion, and kindness. 0:16:43.080 --> 0:16:46.480 She demonstrated. They'll never be another like her. In Minnesota, 0:16:46.800 --> 0:16:50.320 carried herself with grace and integrity. You talk about the 0:16:50.360 --> 0:16:53.440 Carolina Owners, the Teppers, an incredible steward of the NFL, 0:16:53.520 --> 0:16:57.720 a trailblazer, the Denver Broncos an indelible legacy of leadership, 0:16:57.840 --> 0:17:01.280 grace and love of football that we'll canntinue to inspire 0:17:01.560 --> 0:17:05.440 four generations. And of course, the Commission of the National 0:17:05.480 --> 0:17:09.439 Football League also weighing in today. We'll hear from some 0:17:09.600 --> 0:17:13.520 of that in his comments on this passing of Virginia 0:17:13.680 --> 0:17:16.600 Haddos McCaskey. We will take a break. Coming up at 0:17:16.640 --> 0:17:19.800 the top of the hour another Hall of Famer Mike Singletary, 0:17:19.800 --> 0:17:22.119 who joined the program. This is Bears Weekly out of 0:17:22.240 --> 0:17:24.280 ESPN one thousand of the Bears Radio Network. 0:17:25.080 --> 0:17:29.120 Welcome back to Bears Weekly. Become a Bears Ingo Network. 0:17:29.440 --> 0:17:33.000 Here's your host, the Voice of the Bears, Jeff Julian. 0:17:36.440 --> 0:17:39.119 Have a new or gently used coat land around Still 0:17:39.160 --> 0:17:42.639 time to head you to local jewelasco until February tenth, 0:17:42.680 --> 0:17:44.639 so just four days from now and donate one of 0:17:44.640 --> 0:17:46.600 your new or gently used coach to the thirty sixth 0:17:46.640 --> 0:17:49.960 annual Chicago Bears Coat Drive and help keep Chicagoans warm 0:17:50.040 --> 0:17:53.359 this winter. With Tom Thayer, a Super Bowl winning Bears guard, 0:17:53.480 --> 0:17:56.960 and Jim Miller, former Bears quarterback from sirius XM NFL Radio, 0:17:57.440 --> 0:18:01.760 we are celebrating the life of missus Ginia Hattis McCaskey. 0:18:01.840 --> 0:18:05.120 Her passing today garnering the headlines here in the football 0:18:05.119 --> 0:18:10.800 world and in Chicago. George H. McCaskey when they celebrated 0:18:10.840 --> 0:18:13.560 her one hundredth birthday in twenty twenty three, described her 0:18:13.560 --> 0:18:18.000 greatest qualities as her grace, quiet, dignity, humility, and gratitude, 0:18:18.320 --> 0:18:21.280 and revealed that she continues to inspire him every day 0:18:21.280 --> 0:18:26.479 in every way with a remarkable combination of grit and grace. Okay, 0:18:26.960 --> 0:18:30.760 a very nice woman, correct, Tom, faithful, love family. But 0:18:31.520 --> 0:18:33.680 she's tough, you. 0:18:33.640 --> 0:18:36.879 Know, because she was sincere. She had the passion for 0:18:36.920 --> 0:18:39.679 the game. She didn't want to be interrupted. Why she 0:18:39.880 --> 0:18:43.360 was watching the game. She took notes diligently, she had 0:18:43.400 --> 0:18:46.600 an opinion of the performance on the field. And I 0:18:46.640 --> 0:18:49.919 think that's what caught people by surprise a lot of 0:18:49.960 --> 0:18:52.800 the time was they didn't realize what they were going 0:18:52.880 --> 0:18:56.800 up against when they met Virginia McCaskey, either at a game, 0:18:56.960 --> 0:19:00.520 before or after a game. Because on a football Sunday, 0:19:00.520 --> 0:19:03.200 that's all it was about. From the time we got 0:19:03.200 --> 0:19:05.600 on the buses on Saturdays till we got off the 0:19:05.640 --> 0:19:08.359 buses on Sunday. You know, there is a lot of 0:19:08.400 --> 0:19:11.920 emotion that went into those trips, but there's a lot 0:19:11.960 --> 0:19:14.800 of emotions that were attached to each and every play 0:19:14.920 --> 0:19:15.560 every game. 0:19:16.000 --> 0:19:19.880 Jim family meant everything. But think about this eleven children 0:19:20.520 --> 0:19:26.000 twenty one grandchildren, forty great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. 0:19:26.080 --> 0:19:28.879 By definition, that is matriarch. 0:19:30.280 --> 0:19:33.080 Without a doubt. And there's a lot of nurturing and 0:19:33.119 --> 0:19:36.159 a lot of care involved there. And you want to 0:19:36.160 --> 0:19:39.040 know what, I give her credit for this. I love 0:19:39.119 --> 0:19:41.800 how she reached out because obviously I live in Detroit, 0:19:42.119 --> 0:19:44.720 and she La Fordham obviously took over the lines and 0:19:44.760 --> 0:19:48.080 it was her, it was Gail Benson and Adam's strunk 0:19:48.160 --> 0:19:51.720 down there for the Houston or for the Tennessee Titans. 0:19:51.760 --> 0:19:54.680 Excuse me that, you know, she reached out to him, 0:19:54.800 --> 0:19:57.959 you know, and she really welcomed in. She looked Fordham 0:19:58.119 --> 0:20:00.679 and you know, really welcomed her with open arms and 0:20:00.680 --> 0:20:04.040 what to expect and here's what it is. And and Sheila, 0:20:04.280 --> 0:20:08.880 I know locally in Detroit, has spoken blowingly about Virginia 0:20:08.960 --> 0:20:12.120 McCaskey and really the advice she has given her as 0:20:12.160 --> 0:20:15.719 she's taken on this challenge of turning around the Detroit Lions. 0:20:15.720 --> 0:20:18.000 So credit to Virginia from that front as well. 0:20:18.800 --> 0:20:21.280 Often referred to as the first Lady of the NFL, 0:20:21.760 --> 0:20:24.399 or George would often say the first Lady of Sport. 0:20:25.359 --> 0:20:29.840 The gifts the connection to faith seriously very important six 0:20:29.840 --> 0:20:32.080 point fifteen mess in the first pew. 0:20:32.200 --> 0:20:36.080 Tommy, Yeah, Bailey, you know, I was thinking about Virginia 0:20:36.160 --> 0:20:39.600 because there's we're not the same person the first day 0:20:39.600 --> 0:20:41.719 we walk in the building, then the last day we 0:20:41.760 --> 0:20:43.919 walk out of the building at the end of our career. 0:20:44.359 --> 0:20:46.920 But each and every single time that you walk by 0:20:47.119 --> 0:20:50.600 Missus McCaskey, you want to leave an impression on her 0:20:50.720 --> 0:20:53.840