Bears' McCaskey a throwback to NFL founding owner Halas

In civilian life, McCaskey was to become a highly successful developer of incentive sales campaigns and had the exclusive account of the American Oil Co., for five years. On his 25th wedding anniversary, George Halas, Jr., nicknamed "Mugs," who was George's son, named McCaskey chairman of the board of the Bears, a position he still holds in an emeritus role, 32 years later with professional and personal respect.

What was his close-up evaluation of Halas, father-in-law and coach? "Fiercely loyal to friends. I mean fiercely loyal. Underneath his cursing and swearing on the field, he was deeply religious. Rooney told me after the Bears beat the Redskins for the title in 1940 that George said, `I got to find a church, Art. I owe God thanks.' "

McCaskey, reflecting on more timely history, was disappointed when Baltimore wasn't awarded an expansion team in 1993. The Bears' vote, along with that of the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, went to Baltimore on the first round but the process took on the look of a "bag job" and Jacksonville got the prize.

McCaskey, now 81, brings a delightful dignity to the NFL. One of a vanishing breed. A man of striking character and engaging charm. The personificaton of a gentleman, frequently willing to do what's in the best interest of the league at crisis time to help broker agreements. No doubt, a legacy from Halas, the man who shaped the league for what he intended it to be.