NEW ORLEANS — When Kyle Long watched into “Mugs” Halas Auditorium inside Halas Hall and saw a desk set up in front of the room, he knew he was in for something special.
Virginia McCaskey, the Bears’ matriarch who died Thursday at 102, was about to address the team, to explain the history of the founding franchise that was synonymous with the arc of her life.
“Out from behind the curtain would come Virginia — all smiles,” the former Bears three-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman said. “Her life was Bears football. I was so appreciative to have the opportunity to spend time with her, to shake her hand, to come visit her in the lunch room and come talk to her.