Chicago Bears chairman and controlling owner George H. McCaskey traded the NFL sidelines for the officiating crew Friday, Oct. 16, taking the field to man the down marker during an Illinois High School Association girls flag football playoff game between Evanston and St. Charles North.
McCaskey, who oversees one of the NFL's most recognizable franchises, was spotted working the postseason matchup by play-by-play announcer Matt Rodewald.
St. Charles North defeated Evanston 27-12 in the state quarterfinal at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, advancing in the IHSA state tournament.
The assignment offered a different perspective for McCaskey, who has served as the Bears' chairman since 2011. While he oversees the operations of one of professional football's most historic franchises, officiating youth sports remains a personal interest on the gridiron and as an umpire.
McCaskey's involvement with girls flag football is not new. He worked alongside officials at the 2025 IHSA Girls Flag Football State Championships, assisting with the down marker for the second consecutive year.
His participation also comes as girls flag football continues to grow in Illinois. The Bears have supported efforts to expand opportunities for girls to play the sport, including advocating for its adoption at the high school level.
In November 2023, McCaskey and Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren co-authored a letter to Illinois high school athletic directors encouraging support for girls flag football before the IHSA officially sanctioned the sport in 2024.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey takes surprising role at flag football game