Don Pierson

Don Pierson is a former Chicago Tribune reporter and columnist.

Virginia McCaskey smiles while talking with a fan during the Bears 100 Celebration in 2019, in Rosemont. The Lake Forest City Council on March 3, 2025 offered a Resolution of Sympathy to the McCaskey family. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Virginia McCaskey, principal owner of the Chicago Bears and George Halas’ daughter, dies at 102

February 7, 2025 at 7:55 a.m.

Virginia McCaskey preferred the role of cheerleader and caretaker of the Chicago Bears to that of power broker. But nobody made a major decision without first consulting her.

Brian Urlacher warms up on the field before Super Bowl XLI against the Colts on Feb. 4, 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami.

Brian Urlacher: The last great Bears middle linebacker was built for the 21st century

May 31, 2019 at 9:31 p.m.

Brian Urlacher arrived as the Bears’ first draft choice in 2000, signaling the new millennium in ways coach Dick Jauron had trouble imagining. About 30 years earlier, Jauron played safety,...

He made the playoffs only once in five seasons, but it was a memorable one for sure. Jauron's 2001 Bears went13-3 in dramatic fashion and won the NFC Central — and he was voted coach of the year.
Jauron's record:35-45 (.438)

Jan. 5, 1993: Mike Ditka loses his job with the Bears, but not his passion

May 31, 2019 at 9:21 p.m.

Note: This story originally ran in the Chicago Tribune on Jan. 5, 1993 Passionate to the tearful finish, the Mike Ditka era as coach of the Chicago Bears ended Tuesday...

Jets head coach Rex Ryan, right, poses for photographers with his father, Buddy, at a minicamp practiceo n June 9, 2009.

Buddy Ryan certainly did it his way

May 10, 2019 at 5:38 p.m.

News that Bears' owner George Halas would rehire defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan before he fired head coach Neill Armstrong arrived on Christmas Eve, 1981, and was announced formally the day...

Gale Sayers (40) is helped from the field by Mike Pyle (50) and Gary Lyle after the Bears running back was injured in a game with San Francisco, circa Nov. 11, 1968. Sayers was out for the season.

10 greatest Bears running backs: Where does Matt Forte rank?

May 10, 2019 at 5:20 p.m.

There is no shortage of renowned running backs in Bears history, starting with Red Grange, who brought credibility to pro football with a 1925 national barnstorming tour. Grange's pro rushing...

Ron Rivera celebrates a fumble recovery by spiking the ball during a 1989 game against the Packers.

Ron Rivera made heady impression as a Bears linebacker

May 10, 2019 at 5:19 p.m.

When Ron Rivera finally got to start a game for the Bears in 1986, he had spent 44 games waiting his turn. He was a linebacker drafted by a franchise...

Quarterbacks, linemen and ball carriers for 17 years feared a looming Doug Atkins. He played for the Bears from 1955 to 1969 and was a key figure in one of football's most potent defenses, especially the 1963 NFL title season when the defenses allowed a league-low average of 10 points per game.

Bears Hall of Famer Doug Atkins ‘was the strongest man in the world’

May 10, 2019 at 5:12 p.m.

At annual pro football Hall of Fame ceremonies, there is a luncheon for members, new inductees, presenters and selectors. When Bears' defensive end Dan Hampton was inducted in 2002, I...

Marc Trestman with Jay Cutler late in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings.

Until a coach and quarterback align, little else matters

August 19, 2019 at 12:47 p.m.

Ernie Accorsi started as a sportswriter, which isn't the main reason he's the right consultant for the Bears. He began his NFL career in public relations for the Baltimore Colts,...

Doug Atkins played for the Bears from 1955-1969 and was a key figure in one of football's most potent defenses, especially the 1963 NFL title season when the defenses allowed a league-low average of 10 points per game.

Best Bears defensive linemen: 1980s trio stands out

May 10, 2019 at 3:42 p.m.

There are 13 Bears in the Hall of Fame who played defensive line. All of them except Doug Atkins, Dan Hampton and Richard Dent also played offense. Some of them,...

George Halas announces Mike Ditka as head coach on Jan. 20, 1982.

George Halas a real pro in fostering NFL-media relationship

August 19, 2019 at 12:42 p.m.

In the beginning, pro football begged for media attention to help it rise. Almost 100 years later, pro football begs off. In the end, whenever that comes, media attention may...

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