Tom Benson, owner of the Saints and Pelicans, died Thursday at the age of 90.
Benson was hospitalized with the flu nearly a month ago, but the team announced he died Thursday at the Ochsner Medical Center with his wife by his side.
Benson, who began his career as a car salesman and businessman, purchased the Saints in 1985 for $70 million and two years later New Orleans made the playoffs for the first time. His purchase helped ensure the franchise would remain in New Orleans as the other potential buyers were interested in relocating the organization. The Saints earned 11 playoff berths, six division titles and won Super Bowl 44 against the Colts in 2009 under Benson's leadership.
The New Orleans native also became an integral part of the league off the field serving as the chairman of the Finance Committee for three separate stints. He also played a role in New Orleans becoming the host site of the Super Bowl five times since he purchased the team.
In 2012, Benson expanded his ownership into the NBA with the purchase of the Hornets for $338 million, which was rebranded and renamed the following season as the New Orleans Pelicans.
Under Benson's ownership, the Pelicans returned to the playoffs in 2015 and the city hosted two NBA All-Star games during his tenure.
Benson, who was born July 12, 1927, attended Loyola University after he served in the Navy. Benson donated $11 million to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the stadium that hosts a preseason NFL game each year. The stadium was formerly known as Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio but it now bears his name as "Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium."
