For the Chicago Bears’ late owner, faith, family, and football were “North Stars.”
For the Chicago Bears’ Late Owner, Faith, Family, and Football Were ‘North Stars’
When the late George Halas Jr. passed away in 1983, it marked the end of an era for the Chicago Bears, but his legacy continued to shape the direction of the franchise for years to come. As the son of George Halas Sr., the founder and legendary coach of the Bears, Halas Jr. had a deep understanding of the importance of faith, family, and football within the fabric of the Bears organization. These values were often referred to as his “North Stars,” guiding his leadership and decision-making in the complex world of professional football.
Halas Jr.’s ownership of the Bears was defined by his strong sense of duty and commitment to both the team’s legacy and the community. Under his leadership, the Bears not only navigated periods of change and challenge but also remained a symbol of the team-first mentality that has made the Bears one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL.
A Legacy Rooted in Faith
The Halas family was deeply rooted in faith, and George Halas Jr. carried this tradition with him into his adult life and leadership of the Bears. For him, faith wasn’t just something he practiced personally, but something that served as the foundation of his approach to life and football. Whether it was through charitable endeavors or making tough decisions for the team, his faith was always present in the way he operated.
For Halas Jr., faith helped keep him grounded amidst the immense pressures that came with managing one of the oldest and most beloved teams in the NFL. His strong belief in God influenced his leadership style, guiding him to make decisions that balanced the needs of the team, the community, and his family. It was a reminder to him that football, while incredibly important, was never more significant than his core beliefs.
George Halas Sr. had created a winning culture based on family and faith, and Halas Jr. continued that legacy when he took over as the team’s owner. Halas Jr. recognized that the Bears weren’t just a football team, but a crucial part of the city of Chicago’s identity. He was aware that the franchise’s success was deeply intertwined with its community, and he treated it as both a responsibility and an honor.
His faith extended beyond just the football field; it informed the way he approached relationships with coaches, players, and staff. His belief in hard work and integrity made him a respected figure both within the Bears organization and the NFL as a whole.
Family: The Heartbeat of the Bears Legacy
For George Halas Jr., family wasn’t just a value; it was the heartbeat of the Chicago Bears. Raised in the shadow of his father’s immense influence, Halas Jr. had a unique understanding of what it meant to maintain the Bears’ identity while preserving the strong family-oriented culture his father had built. Even after his father’s passing, George Jr. ensured that the Bears remained in the Halas family, believing that a family-oriented ownership group would be best for the team’s future.
Halas Jr. was incredibly protective of the Bears’ legacy, and he saw himself not only as an owner but as a steward of the team’s history. His approach to leadership always emphasized the importance of family values, not just in the organization’s management, but also in the relationships between coaches, players, and staff. In many ways, the Bears were more than a football team under Halas Jr.; they were an extension of his own family.
The decision to keep the family involved in the team wasn’t just about tradition or maintaining a sense of continuity—it was about the deep connection between the Halas family and the city of Chicago. George Halas Sr. was known as “Papa Bear” because he treated his players and staff like family, and his son worked to uphold that principle.
This family-first mentality was reflected in Halas Jr.’s interactions with the people who worked for him. He recognized the importance of nurturing relationships with coaches, players, and front-office personnel. Even when difficult decisions had to be made—such as trades or letting go of a coach—Halas Jr. always ensured that his team understood the reasoning behind them and that the players felt respected.
Football: The Pride and Tradition of the Bears
Of course, at the core of everything for George Halas Jr. was football. As the son of the legendary George Halas Sr., he was steeped in the traditions and expectations of the Bears franchise. He was a member of the Bears organization for his entire life, and football wasn’t just a job for him; it was a passion, a calling, and a duty to carry on his father’s work.
During his tenure as owner of the Bears, Halas Jr. worked tirelessly to ensure that the team remained competitive, both on the field and off. He believed in building a team that could reflect the values of the Bears organization—resilience, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
His focus on football was always balanced with his desire to build a team that embodied the Bears’ identity. While Halas Jr. wasn’t as directly involved in the day-to-day coaching as his father had been, he always made sure to maintain a strong presence within the organization, attending games, meetings, and team events. His knowledge of the game was vast, and he maintained a hands-on approach when it came to overseeing the team’s operations.
Halas Jr. placed great emphasis on maintaining the Bears’ competitive edge in the NFL, and under his leadership, the team made several successful playoff appearances. Despite some difficult seasons, he ensured that the Bears remained one of the NFL’s most respected franchises, and his commitment to the game helped to continue the Bears’ proud football legacy.
Halas Jr.’s Role as an Ambassador for the Bears
In addition to his role as the owner of the Bears, George Halas Jr. also served as an ambassador for the team. He understood that the Bears were not just a professional football team; they were a cherished institution in the city of Chicago. During his time as the team’s owner, he took great pride in engaging with the community and establishing a close bond with the Bears’ fans.
Halas Jr. was known for his accessibility and his willingness to interact with fans at games and public events. His approachability helped to humanize the team, allowing fans to feel a personal connection to the franchise. This, in turn, deepened the loyalty of Bears fans, many of whom regarded Halas Jr. not only as the team’s owner but also as a part of the family. He would often be seen walking through Soldier Field, interacting with fans, or taking the time to talk to young players about the game he loved.
Through this personal connection with the community, Halas Jr. demonstrated his understanding of the importance of legacy. He understood that the Bears were more than just a football team—they were an institution that brought people together, provided a sense of pride, and united the city of Chicago. By being a hands-on and engaged owner, Halas Jr. continued the Halas family’s long-standing tradition of making the Bears a symbol of Chicago pride.
The Passing of George Halas Jr. and the Future of the Bears
When George Halas Jr. passed away in 1983, the Bears lost not just an owner, but a caretaker of the team’s tradition and values. Halas Jr.’s leadership had ensured that the Bears continued to thrive and remain relevant within the competitive landscape of the NFL. His commitment to faith, family, and football had served as guiding principles for his entire tenure as the team’s owner.
Though Halas Jr.’s passing marked the end of an era for the Bears, the foundation he had laid continued to influence the franchise. Under his leadership, the Bears had become an iconic and beloved team, and the values he upheld lived on in the organization’s DNA.
The Halas family’s continued involvement in the team, particularly through George Halas Jr.’s children, ensured that the principles of faith, family, and football remained an integral part of the Bears’ identity for years to come.
