Earlier this year, the Chicago Bears lost two legendary figures in their franchise history, and this season the team is paying tribute to both on the field. The Bears honor the late Virginia Haras McCaskey with a unique jersey patch, while commemorating the late Steve McMichael with a decal on their helmets.
Virginia McCaskey, who served as the owner and matriarch of the Bears, passed away on February 2nd at the age of 102. The patch representing her features an orange football with her navy blue initials. This design closely resembles the patch the Bears used in their 1983 season, connecting to her father George Harras, a Hall of Fame member who founded, owned, and coached the team. George McCaskey, Virginia’s son and the current owner, explained the patch’s design as a tribute to his grandfather’s legacy dating back to 1983.
The “VMH” patch will make its first appearance on August 10th during the Bears’ preseason game at home against the Miami Dolphins. As an additional honor to McCaskey, the Bears have decided to forgo alternative or throwback uniforms this season, opting instead for classic navy jerseys with white pants at home and white jerseys with navy pants on the road, always wearing their iconic navy helmets.
On the back of these helmets, there will be decals shaped like a football featuring McMichael’s No. 76 below the stripe. This emblem will also be painted on the Soldier Field grass for every Bears home game this season. Steve McMichael, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle who played for the team from 1981 to 1993, passed away on April 23 at age 67 after battling ALS. He was an integral part of the Bears’ dominant 1985 team that finished 15-1 and won Super Bowl XX.
As the Bears step into a new era with George McCaskey continuing as owner and Ben Johnson as head coach in 2025, they also remain deeply connected to their proud history by honoring these two historic figures.
Fan Take: This tribute resonates deeply with NFL fans because it honors the rich heritage and influential personalities that shaped one of football’s storied franchises. It serves as a reminder that the legacy of great leaders and players continues to inspire the sport and its community.
