Chicago Bears to Honor Virginia McCaskey and Steve McMichael with Uniform Tributes Throughout Emotional 2025 NFL Season at Soldier Field.

The Chicago Bears are preparing for an emotionally charged 2025 NFL season as they honor the legacies of two towering figures in franchise history: the late matriarch Virginia Halas McCaskey and beloved former defensive lineman Steve “Mongo” McMichael.

The team announced a heartfelt tribute plan that includes uniform patches, helmet stickers, and special field markings at Soldier Field to commemorate McCaskey and McMichael. This unique homage will begin with the Bears’ preseason opener and continue throughout the entire season, reflecting not only loss and remembrance but also legacy, family, and tradition.

A Franchise Matriarch Remembered: Virginia Halas McCaskey

Virginia McCaskey, daughter of team founder George S. Halas, passed away in February 2025 at the remarkable age of 102. She served as the Bears’ principal owner since 1983 and was widely regarded as the NFL’s longest-tenured and most respected matriarch. Her influence extended well beyond Chicago, reaching into the hearts of football fans across the nation.

To commemorate her legacy, Bears players will wear a commemorative football-shaped patch with the initials “VHM” above their hearts on their jerseys. The simple yet powerful emblem is more than symbolic—it’s deeply personal.

“This was mom’s life,” said Bears Chairman George McCaskey, Virginia’s son. “She loved this team, this city, and this league. Every player wearing that patch will carry her legacy onto the field.”

In a significant and emotionally resonant decision, George McCaskey also confirmed that the team will not wear any alternate or throwback uniforms during the 2025 season. Instead, they will stick with their classic look as a sign of respect and tradition.

The gesture mirrors what the organization did in 1983 after the death of George Halas. At that time, the Bears also forewent alternate jerseys and maintained their traditional uniforms for the entire season.

A True Warrior Honored: Steve McMichael

The Bears will also pay tribute to one of their fiercest warriors, Steve McMichael, who passed away in April after a brave and public battle with ALS. Known affectionately as “Mongo,” McMichael was a cornerstone of the Bears’ legendary 1985 Super Bowl defense and one of the most intimidating defensive linemen of his era.

McMichael’s death came just months after it was announced that he would be posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. His fight against ALS galvanized the city of Chicago and inspired fans across the country.

To honor McMichael, the Bears will wear a helmet sticker featuring a navy-blue football with an orange outline and his iconic number 76. Additionally, that same design will be painted onto the turf at Soldier Field for every home game during the 2025 season.

“There was never anyone like Mongo,” said Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. “He was tough, fearless, and loved this team with everything he had. Every time our players step onto that field and see that number 76, they’ll remember what it means to be a Bear.”

Legacy on Display at Soldier Field

Soldier Field, already a monument to Chicago football history, will be transformed into a living tribute to these two icons. The 2025 season will not just be about touchdowns and tackles—it will be about heritage, values, and what it means to wear the navy and orange.

From the moment fans walk through the gates, they will be reminded of McCaskey’s grace and leadership and McMichael’s unmatched toughness. Special video tributes, in-game ceremonies, and fan engagement initiatives are also expected to accompany the uniform patches and field art throughout the year.

The Bears have always been a family organization—founded by family, run by family, and beloved by generations of families in Chicago and beyond. This season, that family spirit will be more prominent than ever.

Player Reactions and Locker Room Perspective

Players across the roster have embraced the tribute as both an honor and a responsibility.

“To carry the initials of Mrs. McCaskey on my chest? That means everything,” said Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. “She built this. She stood for excellence, loyalty, and pride in being a Bear. We’re going to play like she’s watching every snap.”

Defensive leaders also spoke about McMichael’s legacy.

“I’ve watched the tapes,” said linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. “He was an animal on the field, a monster, and that’s the standard he set. We’re gonna play with that same fire.”

NFL and League-Wide Recognition

The Bears’ gesture has also received praise from across the league. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement recognizing Virginia McCaskey’s immense contribution to the game.

“Mrs. McCaskey represented the very best of the NFL,” Goodell said. “Her leadership and love for the Chicago Bears will never be forgotten. The tribute planned by the Bears is both touching and fitting.”

As for McMichael, his upcoming enshrinement in Canton will likely be a highlight of the summer, and the league plans to acknowledge the Bears’ tribute during the Hall of Fame Game and induction weekend.

A Season of Reflection and Renewal

The 2025 Bears enter the season with hopes of playoff contention and a young, promising quarterback in Caleb Williams. But beyond wins and losses, this year is shaping up to be about much more.

It will be a season of playing for something bigger than football—honoring the foundational values of perseverance, loyalty, courage, and faith.

Virginia McCaskey’s leadership spanned generations. Steve McMichael’s fire inspired a city. And now, their memories will unite players and fans every time the Bears take the field.

“Every snap, every hit, every win this season will mean a little more,” said George McCaskey. “Because we’ll be doing it with mom’s initials on our chest and Mongo’s number under our feet. That’s Bears football.”

In an NFL increasingly driven by spectacle and entertainment, the Chicago Bears are using the 2025 season to bring the focus back to heritage, humanity, and heart.

The patches, the stickers, and the stenciled turf are more than design choices. They are symbols of a storied past and guiding lights for a proud future.

And for the McCaskey family, the McMichael family, and every Bears fan around the world—this season is about honoring the lives that built the foundation, with every game played in their memory.