Saints, Pelicans owner Tom Benson dies at age 90 after extended battle with the flu

New Orelans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has passed away from complications from the flu, the Saints announced Thursday. Benson was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms on Feb. 16.

The Saints and Pelicans released an update on Benson’s condition on Sunday, Feb. 25. Benson remained in the intensive care unit at Ochsner Medical Center just outside of New Orleans at that time, but was said to be stable.

Team spokesman Greg Bensel said Benson was receiving “exemplary care” for the flu.

“He is stable and Mrs. Benson thanks everyone for their kind support, prayers and well-wishes,” Bensel’s statement read.

It’s been the deadliest flu season in almost a decade, and the elderly and young children are the most susceptible.

Benson was also admitted to the hospital in October after he experienced “brief weakness” following a weekend packed with the Saints Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a Pelicans matchup with the Cavs, and the Saints’ Week 8 win over the Bears over the span of three days, per Bensel.

Benson saved the Saints from a possible move to Jacksonville when he purchased the team in 1985. The first winning season in franchise history came in his second year of ownership, when the Saints finished 12-3 and earned a postseason bid.

In his younger years, Benson was a colorful character whose personality matched the vibrant city he called home. It’s hard to even imagine now, but he used to celebrate Saints wins with his own iconic dance, the “Benson Boogie.”

In recent years, Benson became embroiled in a bitter dispute with members of his family over his fortune and his family of businesses, including the Saints and the Pelicans.

Benson’s succession plan had been to hand control of the Saints and Pelicans to his granddaughter, Rita Benson LeBlanc. He suddenly reversed that plan, changing his will to transfer control over the teams to his wife, Gayle, instead. He also cut LeBlanc, her brother Ryan, their mother, and his adopted daughter Renee out of his will entirely.

The family sued and tried to have Benson declared mentally incompetent to run his businesses and manage the family trust. A New Orleans judge ruled in Benson’s favor.

Benson, a self-made billionaire, made his fortune in car dealerships, finance, and later media. His popularity with Saints fans waned amid rumors that he wanted to move the team to San Antonio after the Super Dome sustained heavy damage after Hurricane Katrina. But the Saints remained in New Orleans.

In the 33 seasons Benson has owned the Saints, they’ve gone 271-256 and have an 8-10 playoff record as well as the only Super Bowl win in franchise history.