As he lauded the Bensons' commitment to Louisiana, New Orleans and the New Orleans Saints on Friday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome.
The induction originally was scheduled for Sept. 12 but was rescheduled due to the impact of Hurricane Francine on Louisiana.
Goodell adjusted his schedule accordingly, in order to present the Bensons. Tom Benson died in 2018.
New Orleans will host its record-tying 11th Super Bowl – Super Bowl LIX – on Feb. 9, 2025. The NFL's championship game became a fixture in New Orleans during Tom Benson's lifetime as owner, and continues under Gayle Benson.
"I realize how incredibly busy you are in the middle of this season, and know how much Tom would appreciate you being here today, as you certainly know I am," Gayle Benson said to Goodell. "One thing I would like all of our fans to know is that Roger has been a champion for the people of New Orleans and the Gulf South for many years.
"Prior to becoming commissioner, Roger played a critical role in assisting the team in its return to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, as he directed both league personnel and other resources the NFL provided, as we navigated the unbelievably difficult task of being able to play our games again in New Orleans just months after the storm.
"He has also been a consistent and enthusiastic supporter of New Orleans as a Super Bowl host city. While I am sure he cannot admit it out loud, I have no doubt New Orleans is his favorite Super Bowl location. But we promise, and I do, not to tell anybody."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell presented Gayle and Tom Benson for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in the Caesars Superdome at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024.
Goodell said the Bensons helped create a legacy of resiliency in New Orleans.
"Tom and Gayle Benson have made the Saints into a powerful and special franchise, fostering deep and unique connections with the city of New Orleans," Goodell said. "Tom bought the Saints in 1985. The Superdome hosted Super Bowls in 1986, 1990, 1997, 2002 and 2013.
"Do you get my drift? Tom Benson was a magnet for the Super Bowl. He really knew how to bring it from the NFL.
"Losing Tom was tough for all of us, but it was made easier by our belief in Gayle. Her stewardship has shaped the team's achievements and reinforced its connection with this community. Gayle is devoted to her faith, family, staff, players and the people of New Orleans and this region. She is one of the most gracious people I know, and also a trusted confidant."
Gayle Benson said that Tom would have appreciated the induction and recognition.
"One of the many things Tom and I shared is a passion for New Orleans and unwavering pride in the city we grew up in," she said. "We love hosting the Super Bowl because it gives us the chance to show off New Orleans to the rest of the NFL and fans across the world.
"This community takes so much pride in being great hosts and please understand – no other city is more appreciative of the opportunity to do so."
Goodell said the NFL's return for Super Bowl LIX was made possible by Gayle Benson's vision and action.
"It's also a tribute to her partnership with Tom," he said. "The New Orleans football legacy is built on their foundation. Tom and Gayle's impact on both the league and their community has been immeasurable, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions."
Benson noted that the Super Bowl offers an opportunity to inspire and unite.
"One of the things I value most about being the owner of the Saints and Pelicans is to see how the teams bring people together who might not have much else in common," she said.
"As our world becomes more polarized and divided, the real power of sports is to provide an outlet where people can join in common cause in support of something, rather than focus on what we are against – except when we play the Falcons."
