Saints Owner Tom Benson Makes Historic Pledge

According to a statement released by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has donated $11 million to the Hall of Fame. Per ESPN:

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Ten million dollars will go toward renovating Fawcett Stadium, which will be renamed "Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium," the first step in a "master plan" for major upgrades and expansion of the Hall of Fame Village.

Benson also pledged an additional $1 million to the Hall of Fame's Legends Landing Program, a new, mixed-use residence that includes room for retired players and Hall of Famers.

"This is a donation that I feel very strongly about," Benson said in a statement. "I have taken great pride in the recovery and renaissance of my home city, New Orleans, not only prior to but, more importantly, post-Katrina. We have done great things in our city, and today we can proudly present New Orleans as a city that is a role model to other communities. We are proud of that. So when approached to make a donation to the Pro Football of Fame in Canton, Ohio, I did not think long at all about why we should help."

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Benson' donation is the largest contribution by any individual in the Hall's 51-year history.