Benson’s name will live in the legacy he leaves

During Super Bowl week in 2010, Saints owner Tom Benson and his wife Gayle invited media members to a breakfast.

When the meal ended he asked two reporters to interview his wife. One, was Times-Picayune legend Pete Finney.

I was the other.

I considered it to be quite an honor.

Benson looked supremely confident. And, his optimism for his Saints was justified. Days later, they defeated the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.

Last week, after Benson’s passing, the tributes came pouring in.

But, one of the best came when Benson was alive.

In August, the Hall of Fame stadium in Canton was officially named Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Benson donated $11 million for an extensive stadium renovation.

One of the inductees in the class of 2018 was former Saints kicker Morten Andersen.

Andersen spoke glowingly of his former employer.

“Tom Benson is a self-made man,” said Andersen.

“His reach extends far past Orleans and Jefferson parishes,” said Andersen.

“Tom Benson’s reach goes far, far beyond Louisiana.”

The praise was effusive, and it was much deserved.

In the past 12 years, Benson and his hometown had reconciled.

The relationship, one that was fractured so badly in the days after Hurricane Katrina, had mended.

Former Saints executive and New Orleans City Councilman Arnold Fielkow spoke out then about Benson wanting to keep the Saints in San Antonio, permanently.

Fielkow wanted 2005 regular season home games played in Baton Rouge.

For his candor, he was fired.

Last week, Fielkow told The Advocate he was grateful for the chance Benson gave him to bring his family to New Orleans.

“The opportunity to work in the NFL had been a lifelong dream, and I will forever be appreciative,” said Fielkow.

Praise for Benson poured in.

It came from the sports world and the political world.

But, one of the best tributes was on a sign outside of a local fast food restaurant.

“Long live the Benson boogie.”

When the Saints returned early in 2006, Tom Benson kicked off the most successful  decade of his life.

His Saints won a championship.

When NBA commissioner David Stern was fielding offers from prospective owners to purchase the Hornets, he steered the club to Benson.

Benson and his wife Gayle gave millions to numerous philanthropic endeavors.

When we depart, we all want to say we left our world better than we found it.

And, if that is the criteria for success, Tom Benson not only reached, but exceeded.

Ed Daniels is sports director of ABC26 WGNO. He can be reached at edaniels@clarionherald.org.