x
Breaking News
More () »

Fans pay tribute to Tom Benson at Superdome statue

NEW ORLEANS -- Slowly, but surely, fans paid tribute to former Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson at his statue just outside of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome less than 24 hours after his death.

"We lost someone that we love, we lost Tom Benson," said long-time Saints fan Carlos Espinoza.

Espinoza was in tears as he looked up at the statue. To him, Benson and the Saints were a crucial part of keeping a beleaguered community together after Hurricane Katrina.

"We hit bottom,” said Espinoza. “Katrina killed us and then we came alive, but you see the Saints did that for us."

For other fans, it was his work outside of the sports-world, Benson's charitable efforts, they'll miss the most. He donated $15 million dollars to Loyola University, New Orleans, $7.5 million towards the construction of Tulane University's Yulman Stadium. The Benson family also gave $20 million for cancer research and care.

"So many different donations to so many different organizations,” said Saints fan Priscilla Caillouet. “He will be remembered for a long time."

Many Saints fans did have a complex relationship with Benson after hearing rumors about plans to move the team to San Antonio after Katrina, but ultimately, the team stayed -- eventually winning the super bowl -- and the city started to rebuild.

"A lot of people were talking about him moving the team, but you can't leave home and he knew that and staying right here was the best choice," said Saints fan Joseph Mensah.

Before You Leave, Check This Out