The Bear’s Den, February 7, 2024

Virginia McCaskey’s death leaves fans questioning the future ownership of the team. Be respectful in the comments.

WE WANT YOU!

Would you like to show your Chicago Bears spirit to the world? I’m starting a feature where Windy City Gridiron readers can share pictures of themselves and their families and friends in Bears attire. Simply email a picture to me at the following address: denmasterken at aol dot com. The pictures need to be clear, and full resolution (i.e. full size from your phone if that’s how you take them). Include any description information you like along with the photo!

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

DENMASTER KEN’S VIDEO GRAB BAG

BEARRRSSSS

Caleb Williams gets disrespected in NFL OROY voting despite historic Bears season – SI – Caleb Williams had the best rookie season of any Bears quarterback, but AP Offensive Rookie of the Year voters weren’t impressed.

Ben Johnson named top assistant coach for 2024 at NFL Honors – SI – New Bears head coach Ben Johnson has been named the assistant coach of the year at NFL Honors in New Orleans.

Draft lesson for Bears from Super Bowl O-lines is a layered one – SI – Analysis: Kyle Long and others who say the Bears need to upgrade the offensive line are exactly right but need to keep in mind it doesn’t mean devoting a full draft to those positions.

Did Eddie George just leak the Chicago Bears’ 2025 NFL Draft strategy? – SI – Former Titans RB Eddie George may have accidentally just revealed a major secret about the Chicago Bears’ 2025 NFL Draft plans.

In Praise of Virginia McCaskey – Da Bears Blog – Virginia is football’s link between then and now, heir to a founding fortune and keeper of one of this country’s most sacred sporting entities. Even while the family she married into has often caused consternation amongst the fan base, she has maintained her position, often symbolic, with dignity and passion.

Virginia McCaskey, ‘The First Lady of the NFL,’ dies at 102 – 670 – Virginia Halas McCaskey, the daughter of George Halas and matriarch of the Chicago Bears, has died, the team announced Thursday. She was 102 years old.

Chicago Bears’ Hail Mary debacle named NFL’s Moment of the Year – SI – The Chicago Bears’ 2024 season ended in one unforgettable nightmare of a play, and it was named the NFL’s Moment of the Year.

Bears NFL Draft big board: Will Campbell, Ashton Jeanty on early 20-player watch list – The Athletic – The Bears will have plenty of options to consider with three picks in the top 50. Who makes the most sense at No. 10?

Chicago Bears matriarch Virginia McCaskey saw it all in her 102 years – The Athletic – The daughter of Bears founder George Halas, McCaskey watched the NFL go from a struggling start-up to the most powerful league in America.

NFL Honors: Ben Johnson named AP Assistant Coach of the Year – Chicago Tribune – New Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson was named the AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year as coordinator of the high-powered Detroit Lions offense.

Column: Virginia McCaskey leaves lasting legacy on Chicago Bears – Chicago Tribune – It was never in the plans for Virginia Halas McCaskey to be put in charge of the iconic Chicago Bears franchise. But she earned the respect and admiration of Bears fans.

Bears matriarch Virginia McCaskey dies at 102 – Chicago Sun-Times – She inherited the Bears from her father in 1983, one of the few women in sports to hold such a powerful position.

Virginia McCaskey was the grand lady of the NFL who ran a franchise that struggled at football – Chicago Sun-Times – The Bears owner, who died at 102 Thursday, leaves a mixed legacy.

Former Bears players remember Virginia McCaskey — ‘Her life was Bears football’ – Chicago Sun-Times – The Bears’ matriarch died Thursday at 102.

Naming his play-calling rivals, Andy Reid lists Bill Belichick, Vic Fangio — and the Bears’ Ben Johnson – Chicago Sun-Times – The Chiefs play the Eagles in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

New Bears head coach Ben Johnson named 2024 AP Assistant Coach of the Year – Chicago Sun-Times – Johnson was the Lions’ offensive coordinator.

Ben Johnson named assistant coach of the year – NBC Sports – The former Lions offensive coordinator recently was named the head coach of the Bears.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Jayden Daniels earns offensive rookie of the year – NBC Sports – The Washington quarterback went 12-5 in the regular season and set several rookie records.

Pat Surtain II wins defensive player of the year – NBC Sports – The Broncos cornerback beat out Myles Garrett, who won the award in 2023, among others.

Saquon Barkley runs away with offensive player of the year – NBC Sports – The Eagles running back rushed for 2,005 yards in the regular season.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Bears fans, it’s time to appreciate Matt Nagy – Windy City Gridiron – The former Bears coach is having plenty of success while the Bears are not.

Bear Bones: Chicago Bears Mock Draft – Windy City Gridiron – Join our Bear Bones LIVE at 5:30 (CT) as we kick off a mock draft series!

Bears Owner Virginia McCaskey has passed away at 102 – Windy City Gridiron – Virginia Halas McCaskey, the principal owner and matriarch of the Chicago Bears, died Thursday at the age of 102, the team announced. The final game she watched was the Bears’ 24 to 22 last-second…

Should Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears re-sign Keenan Allen? – Windy City Gridiron – The Bears were look a little different in 2025, but should Keenan Allen not be one of those changes?

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THE RULES

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