Patrick McCaskey is a Chicago Bears board member and the Bears’ Vice President of Special Projects. He has been working for the Bears since 1974. He is going for the Bears’ longevity record. He needs 30 more years.
Pat is Chairman of Sports Faith International, a non-profit a Chicago-based initiative dedicated to inspiring and transforming our culture through the world of sports. Pat is a Notre Dame High School Wall of Famer for football and track. He is a Cheshire Academy Hall of Famer for cross-country and track. He is a national champion in masters’ track. Pat was a contributing editor to the literary magazines at Loyola University Chicago and Indiana University. He has a master’s degree from DePaul University Chicago in the interdisciplinary studies of business, writing, and performing.
Pat is knighted in the international charitable order of Saint Stanislas. He is in the Notre Dame College Prep Hall of Honor for faith, scholarship, and service. He has won the following awards: Notre Dame High School leadership and distinguished service, Harriet Beecher Stowe School voice of freedom, Illinois father of the year, Boy Scouts of America distinguished citizen, Sports Faith Light of Christ, and Chicago Youth Guidance Exemplary Service.
Pat and his wife, Gretchen, have three sons: Ed, Tom, and James. If his sons are not called to the priesthood, he hopes that they will marry someone like their mother. He has two grandchildren, Grace and Pat.
Pat is the author of five books: “Bear with Me: A Family History of George Halas and the Chicago Bears”, “Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout", "Pillars of the NFL: Coaches Who Have Won Three or More Championships", "Sports and Faith: More Stories of the Devoted and the Devout" and "Pilgrimage: A Sports & Faith Series Book"
Pat is a speaker known for his moving and humorous presentations on sports, community, and faith. His talk “Faith & Sports” includes “The Ten Commandments of Football” and “If the Apostles Had Played Football.” His talk “Chicago Bears History” features a lifetime’s worth of his personal reflections, including his grandfather’s days as the team’s coach and owner; receiving tips from quarterback Bill Wade; finding himself on the receiving end of Walter Payton’s practical jokes; and how owning the Bears is a blessing for his extended family. His talk “Tears & Laughter” goes from the Garden of Eden to the possibility of the Pope saying Mass for the Bears.
