NEW ORLEANS MORNS THE LOSS OF ICON TOM BENSON

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson passed away on Thursday at the age of 90. He passed away peacefully at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans with his wife Gayle Marie Benson at his side. Mr. Benson was hospitalized with the flu Feb. 16.

The National Football League, its teams and players expressed condolences over Benson’s death:

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated “Tom Benson’s contributions to New Orleans and the National Football League were legendary. He purchased a team that had never had a winning season; by the third year of his ownership, the Saints were in the playoffs,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “Tom kept the Saints together through the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, and his decision to bring the team back to New Orleans gave the entire region hope and confidence that they would recover. The Saints rewarded their fans with tremendous football and a Super Bowl championship. “Tom loved New Orleans, where he was a generous and caring philanthropist. Within the NFL, he was a true leader among NFL owners. He served as the chairman of the League’s Finance Committee for many years, was a key adviser to my predecessors, and was someone whom I frequently turned to since becoming Commissioner. I know that the entire NFL family joins me in extending our most heartfelt condolences to Gayle Benson and the entire Saints organization.”

Mr. Benson was a part of the sole of New Orleans so a little piece of the city has died with him. What will happen to the Saints now? When Benson purchased the team he vowed they would not leave New Orleans as long as he remained owner. At this point it is looking like his wife Gayle will take the reigns and as she is also a New Orleans native I think we can assume she will honor Mr. Benson’s wishes. In my opinion the Saints will continue to stay in New Orleans.

Our prayers and condolences go out to the Benson family. Perhaps there is football in heaven. Boggy on Mr. Benson,