The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans are suffering a huge loss today as news broke that longtime owner Tom Benson has died at the age of 90.
The team made the announcement on Thursday.
Benson died with his wife, Gayle Marie Benson, by his side.
Benson bought the Saints back in 1985 upon hearing that the franchise would be sold and re-located. Though the team struggled for many years, they eventually found success in the form of eleven playoff berths and a Super Bowl title in 2009.
Benson also bought the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets back in 2012 and renamed them the Pelicans, to make them fit more in with the city of New Orleans.
Benson was hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Ochsner Medical Center earlier this week, according to ESPN’s Mike Triplett, and was also admitted several weeks ago with flu-like symptoms. Benson was also hospitalized back in October due to exhaustion.
Benson was also known for his charitable work and undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the city of New Orleans, players, staff, and fans.