Virginia McCaskey Named Finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame Contributor Vote
The late Bears owner, who guided the franchise after her father's death in 1983, is one of five candidates remaining for the 2027 class.
By Samir Doyle ·
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that Virginia McCaskey has advanced to the final five contributor candidates for enshrinement. The selection committee reduced the initial slate of 42 nominees to this shortlist to determine the single individual who will be presented to the full selection committee. A contributor subcommittee will convene virtually on Nov. 17 to select the winner, a candidate who is then expected to be approved by the full body.
McCaskey, who died on Feb. 6, 2025, at age 102, assumed control of the Chicago Bears following the death of her father, George Halas, in 1983. Halas is credited with founding both the Bears franchise and the National Football League. The Hall of Fame building sits on George Halas Drive in Canton, Ohio, a location that underscores the foundational role her family played in the sport's history.
Four other candidates remain in the race alongside McCaskey. Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, is on the list; his teams have secured six Super Bowl titles and appeared in five other championship games. Doug Williams, who became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl while playing for Washington, is also a finalist. John Wooten, a former NFL player and executive, is included for his later leadership of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, an organization dedicated to advancing minority candidates for coaching and front office positions. Ralph Hay, a former Canton Bulldogs owner, completes the group; he hosted the meeting at his car dealership in Canton that established the NFL.
The Hall will reveal the Class of 2027 during NFL Honors in Los Angeles in Super Bowl week. This class may include up to five players, one coach, and one contributor. The final decision rests with the full selection committee after the subcommittee's recommendation is submitted.
The process ensures that individuals who shaped the league's structure and culture are recognized alongside on-field performers. McCaskey's inclusion acknowledges her decades of stewardship during a critical period for the Bears and the league.
