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Reactions to the Passing of Tom Benson

Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:10 pm
Posted by Hoodoo Man
Sunshine Pumping most days.
Member since Oct 2011
31637 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:10 pm
Today, a city mourns.
I find myself more upset by his passing than I expected that I would be.
But I'm touched by some of things said about him.

I thought I'd share some.


Sean Payton
quote:

Rest In Peace Mr B. Thank You for your Leadership and all that gave to our city. Thank You for believing in me.




Former President George H. W. Bush
quote:

“Barbara and I were deeply saddened to hear the news about our friend Tom Benson, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and many friends. A brilliant businessman, Tom had a genuine passion for his city and his state — and his remarkably generous support for a wide range of wonderful causes made him one of the brightest Points of Light we had the privilege to know. But most of all, Tom was a true bon vivant and dear friend who visited us in Maine and hosted us at countless Saints’ games. To us, he really was `Mr. New Orleans,' and we have no doubt Tom Benson is dancing in heaven tonight.”




Steve Scalise, House Majority Whip
quote:

“I’m saddened by the news of Tom Benson’s passing. The City of New Orleans lost a Saint. Tom Benson was a Saint in every sense of the word, and truly lived the American Dream. He was a man of deep faith who loved his dear wife Gayle, loved our City of New Orleans, and loved rooting for the Saints. He rose from humble beginnings to become a remarkable leader in our community, whose passion for sports built his beloved New Orleans Saints from perennial underachievers to Super Bowl Champions! I was proud to call Tom Benson a dear friend, and New Orleans will long remember his remarkable legacy. Jennifer and I will keep Gayle and the entire Saints family in our prayers."




Drew Brees
quote:

I will forever be indebted to Mr. Benson for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a member of the Saints organization. I will miss his presence, leadership, and grandfatherly advice. We know you will continue to watch over all of us with that umbrella in your hand.




Archbishop Gregory Aymond
quote:

On behalf of the people of God I extend my condolences and prayers to Mrs. Benson, his close friends, and coworkers. Tom Benson was a man who showed incredible charity and generosity to others and had a strong love for God. It was important to him to live his faith. As he has touched so many lives we ask God to give him eternal life in his kingdom.




John Kennedy, US Senator
quote:

“My prayers are with Tom’s wife, Gayle, and their family during this difficult time. A true New Orleanian, Tom Benson ensured the survival of the Saints and the Pelicans through hard work, perseverance, and passion. He’s left a lasting legacy.”




Reggie Bush
quote:

RIP Mr. Benson you will be missed




Mark Ingram II
quote:

Rest easy Mr.B! Thank you for all you have done for me, our great organization, and the entire city of New Orleans! We love you Mr.B! ????????????




Scott Fujita
quote:

Thanks for everything, Mr. B. Much love & appreciation from the whole Fujita family.




Terron Armstead
quote:

He changed and impacted countless lives! You will be missed greatly Mr. B! Rest up




Anthony Mackie, actor
quote:

Here’s to Tom Benson... one of the true great owners in the NFL. The city gonna March for you... You left your mark, my man. Let the second shut down Nola!




Deuce Mcallister
quote:

One of my greatest honors was to wear the black &gold and represent my community. Thank you for believing in me. From the kid that's still living the dream life. Rest Peacefully Mr. B

Also: "You could always go upstairs and go to his office. I mean, he wanted to talk to you off the field, he wanted to get to know you as a person."




Zach Strief
quote:

It's a sad day for the Saints, but even more so for the city of New Orleans. Thank you Mr. B for everything you did for us all. We'll miss you greatly.

Also: "Man, there was no bigger supporter behind the scenes. Not a thing that we ever needed once that Mr. Benson wasn't willing to get for us."




Malcolm Jenkins
quote:

My thoughts and prayers are with the Benson family, the city of New Orleans, and the @Saints organization. I know how much he and his family mean to that community! Mr. Benson thank you for all of the memories and the opportunity to play for your team




Michael Thomas
quote:

My deepest condolences to Mrs. Benson and the entire Benson family. From the day I was drafted, Mr. Benson made my family and I feel right at home. A man that gave much more than he ever took, and is the reason the black and gold calls New Orleans home. May you Rest In Glory, for your memory will last into eternity. #WhoDat




Cam Jordan
quote:

I'm sad to hear about Mr. B's passing. Mr.B is a part of what the core values and beliefs are of the @Saints.The heart of this organization to which drafted me and I have nothing but the utmost respect for the Benson's. I send my condolences to Mrs.Benson & the entire family.
















Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166511 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:13 pm to
Very strange sadness for sure. It is awesome to see the various responses from many different walks of life.
Posted by fladohado
Louisiana
Member since Jan 2010
2842 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:22 pm to
Posted by gptigerfan
The Superdome
Member since Oct 2007
1465 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:25 pm to
Very nice. Thanks for putting this all together in one place.
Posted by Mr.Perfect
Louisiana
Member since Mar 2013
17438 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:27 pm to
I’m gonna be downvoted into oblivion but it’s absolutely amazing how people forget that he wanted the saints out of here and if Miami didn’t screw up with Brees he would have likely gotten his way.

I absolutely thank him for saving the Pelicans but that was only after the NFL had handcuffed him into staying and attendance skyrocketed with the 06 NFC championship run.

Add in that the Pelicans were a fire sale bargain.



I respect Tom and offer condolences to his family. My reaction is completely neutral with respect to his passing.



Downvote crew [IN] im sure.
This post was edited on 3/15/18 at 10:28 pm
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166511 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:31 pm to
quote:

he wanted the saints out of here


Which ended up actually saving the franchise here in the City. Katrina was a strange blessing in many ways for the city. Benson is a businessman and leveraged his way to get what was needed which was better for the franchise and city in the long run.
Posted by Hoodoo Man
Sunshine Pumping most days.
Member since Oct 2011
31637 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:31 pm to
Good addition, Ben Watson always knows what to say.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166511 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:32 pm to
Jerry Jones words were a nice read too
Posted by BilJ
Member since Sep 2003
158783 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:32 pm to
He also saved the saints from leaving for Jacksonville.

Get the frick over the San Antonio flirtation, the good he’s done in the city far outweighs the bad
Posted by Hoodoo Man
Sunshine Pumping most days.
Member since Oct 2011
31637 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:36 pm to
quote:

Jerry Jones words were a nice read too

“Tom was a friend and an ally, and I admired him greatly. He was a proud Texan, who also embraced his leadership role in the State of Louisiana. His spirit and competitiveness were a perfect fit for all Saints fans and the City of New Orleans.

Tom was not only a great and generous owner, but he was also a very productive contributor to the National Football League.

He was astute, exceptionally smart and an accomplished sportsman and businessman. His marketing and finance expertise guided the League’s Finance Committee for years. He pumped life and enthusiasm into a community and a franchise that had no winning seasons before he became involved, and he brought them a championship and a great sense of pride that will be felt for years to come.

Our thoughts go out to his family and all of the lives that he touched. This is a sad day for the NFL.”
Posted by Lester Earl
Member since Nov 2003
278765 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:37 pm to
Find jerrius Robertson & lil Wayne tweets
Posted by Mr.Perfect
Louisiana
Member since Mar 2013
17438 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:40 pm to
Yes Chad. He levered the situation to personally profit.

Fine.

Good for him.

I’m not applauding him for it.
Posted by Hoodoo Man
Sunshine Pumping most days.
Member since Oct 2011
31637 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:41 pm to
quote:

Jarrius Robertson

Very sad day...When I was in the hospital, Mr B would call to check on me. Had his doctor call my doc. Made sure I had whatever I needed. 25K donation to me after the liver transplant! RIP MR B thx u for everything you have done for me ??????



Posted by Olric
New Orleans
Member since Jul 2015
1888 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:47 pm to
To be clear, you are mad that a business man used his leverage to gain in a business negotiation? And your anger makes you indifferent that said business man has passed away?
Posted by ElRoos
Member since Nov 2017
7227 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:47 pm to
Damn...
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166511 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:51 pm to
quote:

to personally


NFL has never been a charity
Posted by Hoodoo Man
Sunshine Pumping most days.
Member since Oct 2011
31637 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 10:53 pm to
quote:

Mr.Perfect

I'm not gonna respond to you after this, or any other posters saying similar things.

But do you actually believe that New Orleans is not lesser having lost Mr. Benson?
Posted by Lsuhoohoo
Member since Sep 2007
94733 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 11:09 pm to
I'm struck by the former players saying those things. You might expect current Saints to say something and I don't discount their words. But it speaks to who Benson was that former players or guys who are now on different teams felt strongly enough about him to share those things.
Posted by Swagga
504
Member since Dec 2009
16204 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 11:28 pm to
quote:

I respect Tom and offer condolences to his family. My reaction is completely neutral with respect to his passing.


Should have posted this and nothing else.


RIP.
Posted by tigersint
Lafayette
Member since Nov 2012
3549 posts
Posted on 3/15/18 at 11:43 pm to
RIP Uncle Benson
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